Biography of Mrs. Lydia B. Bacon

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BIOGRAPHY

OF

MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

WRITTEN FOR THE 3IASSACHr3ETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, AND
APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

BOSTON:

MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SQIOOL SOCIETY;
Depository, 13 CoRxnu.L.

sm&i ■ '

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1856,

By the Massachusetts Saebath School Society,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

A. J. \7risht, Printer, 1 M'ater street.

BIOGRAPHY

MRS. LYDIA B. BACON

IMrs. Lydia B. Bacon ^vas tlie eldest child of Mr. Levi
and Mrs. Mary Stetson, and was born in Boston, (of
wliicli city tier parents were also natives,) May lOth,
1786. Of her infancy and childhood it has not been
the fortune of her biographer to collect other than the
briefest record. Her parents having now been long-
deceased, and her surviving sisters being many years
younger than herself, it has been impossible to gather
those details and incidents of her earliest years which
it would be so desirable to furnish. A few extracts
from letters received in answer to an application for
information upon this point is all that can here be
given.

Says one, *' Lydia was always a good child, and very
obedient to her parents. As a child, she was of very
sedate habits and conscientious principles ; a good
scholar also, and very fond of reading ; ardent in her
attachments and well calculated to gain friends."

Another correspondent, after confirming the above,
adds, " hers was a happy temperament naturally.
From childhood she viewed mankind and their conduct
through a bright medium, always thinking and speak-

4 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

ing well of every one so long as it was possible. Sucli
a temper and habit sanctified, was a blessed possession,
shedding love and peace on all around ber.''

Another writes, " Lydia was a very sedate child,
always orderly, neat, and industrious ; carefully ob-
servant of the proprieties of life, as well as nicely
attentive to the feelings and wishes of others, particu-
larly if they were her elders or superiors. Indeed,
reverence for age and authority seemed constitutional
with her.'' That these traits which budded in her
early childhood came to a rich maturity in her riper
years, and bore most precious fruit, all who knew Mrs.
Bacon, will bear the most unqualified testimony.

But it will doubtless be asked by a reader here, was
the youthful Lydia a child of God? We are con-
strained to answer — no. This was her ovm testimony,
repeatedly given to the writer of these pages as well as
to many other friends : " I thouglit I loved God when I
was a child,'' she would say, " and indeed I should then
have been very much grieved had any one questioned
it, but it was the Grod of Xature, only, or perhaps
rather the God of my oivn imagination whom I loved.
I was an enthusiastic admirer of Nature, and knowing
it to be the handiwork of God, I loved him as its
author. Sometimes, too, I admired Him as the God
of providence, particularly when I saw some striking
manifestation of his interposing hand in my own favor,
or in that of my friends. But the God of the gospel — a
Being infinitely holy, hating sin and bound to punish
the guilty — such a God was not in all my thoughts."

This statement is corroborated by one who knew her
well, and who in answer to inquiries respecting her

BIOGRAPHY OF SIRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 5

early religious character says, '' Lydia was always a
serious-mincled girl, loving the liouse and people of
God, but I think, without a radical change of heart until
after her residence at Sackett's Harbor. There Christ
revealed himself to her as her Saviour, and there she
consecrated her all to him, and was as actively engaged
in Christian efforts as since you have known her."

Early in the spring of 1807 she was happily married
to Mr. Josiah Bacon who was not only a resident of
her native city, but had been for years her school com-
panion and playmate. More than once has the writer
heard her pleasantly allude to this fact, and to their
early mutual attachment, which resulted in their union
at the age of twenty-two. Her husband having a mil-
itary taste, soon after entered the Army of the United
States as a Commissioned Officer, being Lieutenant
and Quarter-master in the 4th regiment of IT. S.
Infantry, then commanded by Col. John P. Boyd.
After being stationed at Fort Independence, and also
at Fort Hale for a season, the regiment to which Mr.
Bacon belonged was ordered to Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, and his young wife at once resolved to accom-
pany him. We, who enjoy the present facilities for
travel can hardly imagine the tedium of a voyage from
Boston to Pittsburgh forty-four years ago. I am sure
I shall startle the flying passengers upon our railways,
when I state that thirty-eight days hardly sufficed to
make the journey which is now compassed in as many
hours. Surely if the succeeding forty years shall
witness an equal rate of improvement in the speed of
traveling, the inventive genius of the next half-cen-
tury will be taxed to devise JwldbacJcs.
1*

6 BIOGRAPHY OF MES. LYDIA B. BACON.

But to return to our narrative, wliicli will now be
continued in Mrs. Bacon's own words, slie having pre-
pared (at tlic request of a favorite nephew) an account
of her travels, and of the scenes through which she
passed during the well-remembered war of 1812. This
account, as she states, was made up from letters writ-
ten at the time to her friends, and extracts from her
journal, and commences with the date of her embarka-
tion with the troops for Philadelphia en route for Pitts-
burgh, whither her husband, as Commissary, had pre-
ceded his regiment to prepare for its arrival.

^^ 3fay 9tJi, 1811. Having obtained mother's consent
that my sister A. (just 15 years of age) should accom-
pany us as far as Philadelphia, we proceeded to the
fort in the barge which had been sent to convey us to
the vessel which was there waiting for the troops to em-
bark. We arrived safe on board about eight o'clock in
the evening, and commenced our voyage with a fair
wind and fine weather. The second day out I was very
sea-sick, but my young sister proved an excellent
sailor, not being affected at all by the motion of the
vessel. On the third day out, we arrived at Martha's
Vineyard, where we were detained by headwinds for
several days. But this was not at all unpleasant, for
us, as we had friends with whom we passed our time
very agreeably.

''^ May lQ>th. Continued our voyage very pleasantly,
although my former companion (sea-sickness) returned
the moment we left the land, and remained with me
until we saw it again, which was not for several days.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 7

I kept on deck, however, as mucli as possible, finding
that the best remedy for sickness.

" On going up the Delaware Bay, as if to vary the
scene, a thundergust overtook us. It was of short
duration, but very violent. Sickness confined me
wholly to my berth during the squall, but my sister
enjoyed the sublimity of the scene very much ; it being
the first storm at sea which she had ever witnessed.
Indeed, she would not leave the deck until the captain
thought it imprudent for her to remain any longer.
When we entered Delaware Eiver, my disagreeable
companion (sea-sickness) fled, leaving me to the full
enjoyment of the fine air and beautiful scenery which
surrounded me. Noble farms upon each side of the
river attracted our gaze, and delighted us with the
plenty and comfort which they exhibited. The con-
trast was great with what we had left at home, for at
this early season in New England, vegetation had but
just commenced, and here all the first fruits were rap-
idly advancing to maturity. We went ashore at the
Lazaretto, where we were to stop for a short time. This
place is a few miles from the city of Philadelphia, and
enchanted us with the luxuriance of its vegetation.
Here we amused ourselves with examining all that
was curious ; among which were some old trees which
had been wounded in the Revolutionary War, and still
contained the shot embedded in their trunks.

" At this place we found other companies belonging to
the same regiment as ours which had been ordered
here to meet us. These companies had been previously
stationed at New London, Connecticut, and at New
Castle, Delaware. The captain of the company from

8 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

New Castle was accompanied by liis wife, a lovely
woman, with wliom I formed a friendship which solaced
many an hour while our beloved husbands were on
duty, separated from us, and which continued while life
remained."

This lady (Mrs. Capt. ) died some years since

and was heartily mourned by her friend, IMrs. B.
Often has the writer heard the latter speak of this
friend, of the pleasures and trials which they shared
together, and well does she recall the touching em-
phasis with which she once said '' she was the sister of
my souL'^ This is mentioned as a proof of the tender-
ness and constancy of her friendsliips. But we will
resume the narrative.

" We had relatives in Philadelphia whom we antici-
pated seeing as soon as we should arrive. But it was
not convenient to go to the city the first night, and we
were obliged to remain at the Lazaretto, which we
would gladly have avoided ; for the place was so
crowded on account of the additional troops that we
were compelled to take such acommodations as we could
get. For the first time in our lives, sister A. and myself
reposed upon the floor, with a blanket and pillow. This
of course seemed rather hard to those who had always
been accustomed to a soft bed, but we were young,
and blest with a good share of health and spirits which
soon made seeming difficulties vanish.

" The next morning we went to the beautiful city of
Philadelphia which I had so long wished to behold, and

were received by our dear Cousin P with all the

cordiality which we could expect or desire. Our friends
did all tlicy could to make the time there pass pleas-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 'J

antly and profitably, but alas ! tlicj passed swiftly
also, and soon tlie day arrived when we must be sepa-
rated from them, and from my dear young sister who
must return to our parents in Boston. The remem-
brance of this visit will never leave me ; those were
some of ' the white days ' which a kind and beneficent
Providence strews in our path as we pursue our pil-
ffrimao-e. I never saw those dear cousins ao'ain, for
they paid the debt of nature a few years after.

^^ June Isf, 1811. The troops took up the line of
march from Philadelphia for Pittsburgh, and Mrs. P.,
Mrs. G. and myself went in the stage-coach, under the
care of a nephew of Col. Boyd's who was traveling for
his health. The weather was serene, the roads were
good, and all nature appeared in its richest dress. The
land from Philadelphia to Chambersburgh, (which lies
at the foot of the Alleghany mountains,) is rich and
highly cultivated. Large farms with barns of spacious
dimensions, built of stone, meet the eye in every direc-
tion. But our attention was particularly attracted by
the sight of Dutch girls performing the labor of men in
the fields, and we w^ere greatly amused by seeing large
numbers of swine feeding in rich clover up to their
backs. I had often heard of ^ ings- in clover ^^ but
never saw it realized before.

" PittsburgTi, June 2Gt7i. We arrived here ten days
since, after a somewhat tedious but delightful journey
— tedious on account of the extreme roughness of the
roads over the mountains, which did not fulfill the
promise of the commencement of our ride. And yet we

10 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

found great delight in tlie beauty of tlie landscape by
which we were continually surrounded. For on every
side was exhibited to our admiring gaze a constant
succession of scenery at once grand, sublime, awful and
sweet. A variety of emotions filled my mind at these
surveys of God's works ; every thing seemed calculated
for instruction, comfort and pleasure. And while con-
templating these wonders and beauties our sense of de-
pendence on their Divine Author seemed more firmly
fixed in our hearts. Oh, could we be sensible of
his goodness to us we should not let a murmuring
thought arise, but should be wholly resigned to his will,
whatever that will might be.

" The stages over the mountains were very bad, the
roads equally so ; and we were obliged to walk the
horses in the ascent for several miles together. Some-
times for a change we would all get out and walk, and
during the roughest of the way the seats were taken
out from our vehicle, straw spread upon the bottom of
it, and the passengers stowed in like baggage. But to
those who desired to view the landscape as we passed
along, the last arrangement was most unsatisfactory,
and we resolved that we would rather endure the jolting
upon our seats than be deprived of this pleasure. So
the seats were restored, and you may just imagine to
yourself Lydia seated at the coach window, to which she
was obliged to hold on with both hands, straining every
nerve and muscle to maintain her equilibrium.

*' On one side my neighbor's elbow was constantly
pounding me, on the other the stage, which was neither
lined or stuffed, was bruising me, while my head was
often thrown against the top till I feared my brains

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 11

would be dashed out. But all this I bravely endured
for the sake of beholding the scenery.

" At a distance the mountains towered to the clouds,
and in some instances the tops were lost in them. On
one side, and within a foot or two of the carriage wheels
fell an awful precipice, at whose base a beautiful river
quietly glided along, unmindful alike of the danger or
the admiration of the travelers. After a little turning
we would ride through this stream and then again cross
it upon a rude bridge, and often afterward it would be
seen in the distance. We were obliged to lock the
wheels upon descending the mountains, and when we
came to a narrow place in the road the driver would
blow his tin horn vociferously to warn any teams which
might be approaching to avoid danger by stopping
where we could safely pass them. The distance across
the mountains by the road which we traveled vfas one
hundred and sixty miles, and this it took us several
days to accomplish.

" There are some pretty and thrifty villages among
the mountains, where we passed the nights during our
journey. The one which pleased me most was called
Bedford. We lodged there the second night. It was
situated in a beautiful valley, which was watered by a
very lovely stream — the Juniata. I was reminded of
Johnson's Kasselas, who was born in a similar valley,
and like it so entirely surrounded by mountains that he
lived to the age of man ere he learned there was any
other world beside the spot he inhabited."

The following description of Pittsburgh, to which
place Mrs. Bacon's journey had now brought her, it will
be recollected, was written more than forty years ago.

12 BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

Its appearance as described here, is, of course, in striking
contrast with its present aspect, and may not only afford
amusement but instruction, as indicating the rapid
strides of our Young America :

" Pittsburgh is a pleasant village surrounded by
mountains. On one side the Monongahela river laves
its banks, on the other the pure waters of the Alleghany
unite and mingle with the beautiful Ohio. This village
is famed for its manufactories ; the people appear very
industrious and engrossed in the all important business
of accumulating wealth. A great deal of coal is used
here, which gives the village a very dirty appearance.
The children's faces (as you see them in the street) look
as if they were strangers to water, though so many
beautiful rivers are running by their doors.

" We have seen a number of factories and a large flour
mill, the labor of which is expedited by steam, the flour
being carried by this means through all its different
grades until it is snugly packed in the barrel ! There
is also a fine glass factory here. We saw some of the
cut glass — the first ever done in our country. The
first steamboat ever built for these waters has just been
launched ; if it were now ready we might have the
pleasure of going in it. We visited Grant's Hill, a
place conspicuous not so much from the loftiness of its
summit as from its having been a scene of battle during
the Kevolutionary war. We had a terrible thunder-storm
to-day ; the thunder was tremendous, accompanied with
vivid lightning and with rain, which drenched the
streets like a flood. I believe the thunder is always
more violent among: the mountains than in a level
country. The heat is oppressive, but it does not make

BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 13

US sick. All kinds of provisions are clieap and of a
good quality.

*' The military quarters are small and will not accom-
modate all our regiment. The Colonel resides with his
staff at the quarters, with the exception of my husband^
who prefers to live iviih his tvife, the rest board or live in
hired houses. Lieut. G. and wife, Josiah and myself,
with some of our brother officers, have hired a new
brick house on Market street, and all live at one table.
For this my husband provides, and sees that our fare is
cooked and served in good order. This is but little
trouble, as we have plenty of servants, and those that
are pretty fair, though all men.

** The military quarters here were built by General
Wilkinson, and resemble an elegant country seat. In
the rear of the house (which is both commodious and
splendid,) is a large garden arranged with much taste.
All kinds of fruit trees, shrubbery and flowers charm
the eye and please the palate, while the odors which
perfume the air leave nothing wanting which a refined
taste could desire. A canal runs through this garden,
over wdiich is a Chinese bridge with seats around it.
The Colonel has tea-parties frequently, and entertains
his company in the garden, while an excellent band at
a distance and unseen discourses fine music. The whole
appears like enchantment. At one of these parties a
few days since I w^as sitting on the bridge under the
shade of a beautiful tree in conversation with some of
the company. Happening to cast my eye into a walk
at some little distance, I saw our gallant Colonel upon
his knees presenting to a beautiful damsel her glove
which she had let fall, perhaps on purpose. This chiv-
2

14 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON".

alrous incident amused me mucli, especially in connec-
tion witli their difference in age, the gentleman being
more than fifty and the young maiden I should judge
about sixteen.

" July 27 til. Since writing the above we have received
orders to proceed to Newport, Kentucky, on the Ohio
River, about five hundred miles from this place. We
are to descend the river in keel-boats, covered like
houses ; the sides w^e can open or close as we please,
and stop at night if we choose. The river is narrow,
and in many places you can call across it and be heard
quite plain. We are told that it is very pleasant sail-
ing on the river, but we should greatly prefer stopping
here for the present. We are comfortably quartered,
are much pleased with the people, who are both atten-
tive and hospitable, hut go we must. The evenings
here are delightful after the excessive heat of the day.
Soon as the sun retires, the families sit at their doors,
or walk with uncovered heads, that they may enjoy the
soft breezes of twilight. Sometimes our band, in a
boat, will navigate each side of the village and send
forth exquisite strains of music. These echoing among
the mountains produce a charming effect, reminding me
of something which I have read of but never expected
to realize. All this is truly delightful, but we must
leave it. The Indians are committing depredations
upon the white inhabitants located upon our Western
frontier, and the Governor of Indiana has requested
some regular troops to assist in keeping them quiet.
This is the cause of our removal at tliis time.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 15

" August 2d, 10 A. M. Embarked on board the boats
for Newport. The fleet, (if I may so call it,) consisted
of eleven boats. Ou7' party consists of Mr. and Mrs.

A with ber two young brothers, Mr. G and

wife, husband and self We went forty miles to-day,
and at night stopped at Custard Island. The ground
not being good we slept in the boats, and a curious
figure we made indeed. "We were obliged to place our
beds on the floor of the cabin, and we ladies slept there
together, while our husbands spread blankets upon the
seats or lockers at the sides of the cabin, and all thus
enjoyed comfortable repose, after the novelty of the
scene allowed us composure to court the drowsy god.
This is a very pleasant way of traveling. We are as
comfortable as if in a house, have our regular meals
cooked and served in good style by our own servants,
and our reading, conversation and needlework, together
with our admiration of the passing scenery, fills up the
time pleasantly and profitably.

" This river is very winding, and in some places
the bends are so peculiar that you seem to be sailing
upon a pond with no outlet, and wonder how you are
ever to find your way out. And at such times I cannot
help fancying the Indians with their tomahawks and
scalping knives peeping at us from behind the trees and
bushes, and ready to raise their murderous yells.

''August 3d We were awoke at daylight by the
reveille, and left Custard Island about five o'clock in the
morning. We passed the towns of Steubenville an
Charleston, both of which are handsome places. The
weather is fair and there is a fine breeze on the water.

16 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

^^EigJit o'clock, P. M. It is a lovely moonliglit evening,
and we have stopped at the foot of a beautiful bank on
which are several log houses swarming with children,
who seem as merry and happy as possible. The soldiers
have pitched their tents, made their fires and are pre-
paring their suppers. The ladies are making their
husband's beds, and every thing is lively around me.
How I wish my distant friends could take a peep at us
and help me laugh.

" August 4^th. We were aroused this morning by the
drums beating the tune which accompanies these words :

* Don't you hear yom- General say,
Strike your tents and march away.'

Our pilot plays v/ell upon the bugle, and the echoes and
re-echoes among the hills are wonderful and delightful.
One infant has died to-day ; happy child, thus early
escaped from this world of sin and sorrow, and gone
where there will be no more sickness and no more
death ! It was a soldier's babe ; the ofiicers have no
children with them. We are having a pleasant time.
The river is perfectly smooth, and we are going with
the stream ; of course we pass along very rapidly. Our
boat is seventy feet long, twelve wide and seven high.
It has no sails, and is propelled by twent3^-two oars.
There are many small islands in the river, which add
much to its beauty.

" We were obliged to stop at one o'clock on account of
a squall coming on. For awhile the prospect seemed
rather gloomy ; but the tempest soon passed by, doing

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 17

US no damage, and we proceeded on our way. The
weather was most delightful after the shower, and I
longed to have my friends here to enjoy the scene with
me.

" August iJtJi, P. 31. Stopped at Marietta, which lies
upon the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. The inhabitants
are principally New Englanders, who were engaged in
the employment of building vessels. This they found
very lucrative ; but the embargo came and put a stop
to their business, and of course injured the place very
much. My husband and myself, in walking about the
streets, were struck with the stillness which prevailed.
In consequence of the dullness of business many of the
inhabitants have moved away ; in some of the streets
we found the clover quite high, and in others there was
hardly a footpath. I was forcibly reminded of Gold-
smith's Deserted Village. The place is beautifully
situated and well laid out, and we walked until fatigue
compelled me to return to our boat. But my husband
with some of his brother officers rambled farther to
visit some Indian mounds in the vicinity.

*' I hoped to have gone ashore at Blennerhasset
Island, but the rain prevented me. It must be well
worth seeing, if the description of it which I have just
read from 'The Western Tour' be correct. A short
extract from that account I will here copy for the
benefit of my friends :

" ' On ascending the bank from the landing, one
quarter of a mile below the Eastern end of the island,
we entered a handsome double gate with pillars of hewn
stone. A graveled walk led us about one hundred and

18 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

fifty paces to the house. This was situated with a
meadow on the left, and a shruhhery on the right,
separated hy a low hedge, through which we could see
innumerahle flowers displaying themselves to the sun.
The house is large and handsome. The shruhhery
before mentioned was well stocked with all manner of
flowers, and a variety of evergreens, (not only those nat-
ural to the climate, hut exotics,) surrounded the walks,
whicli were graveled and wound in labyrinthine style,
through this enchanted spot. The garden is not large
but seems to have every variety of fruit, flowers and
vegetables which this fine climate and luxurious soil
could produce. In short, Blennerhasset's Island is a
most charming retreat for a man of fortune' fond of
retirement, and is perhaps not exceeded in beauty by
any situation in this Western world. It lacks, however,
the variety of mountains, precipice, cataract, distant
prospect, &c., which constitute the grand and sublime.'

" The foregoing description was given several years
ago. Since then the unfortunate owner was concerned
with Aaron Burr in his treasonable designs against the
Union, and was obliged to abscond from this charming
retreat. At present its inhabitants are a few slaves,
who raise hemp. The entrance is choked with bushes,
yet the whole has a romantic appearance. The farther
we proceed down this river the more level the country
becomes and the more cultivated ; indeed, we have
almost lost sight of the mountains.

" August QtJi, A. 31. Cur boats, last night, were
locked two together, yet the current drifted us forty
miles. It was a dark, rainy night, but the Colonel

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 19

"being anxious to reacli Newport as soon as possible
tlionglit best to continue on instead of sto2:)ping for the

nigbt as heretofore. We went over L Ealls, but I

did not see tbeni, because old JMorpbeus bad blinded my •
eyes. We ladies experienced no inconvenience from
this arrangement, but our poor husbands were obliged
to take their watch on deck, and in consequence were
wet to the skin. We are at this moment opposite a log
house situated in a cornfield, and the corn is actually
higher than the house. We can just see a troop of chil-
dren playing about the door.

'^August 7 th. We drifted much last night, and this
morning stopped half an hour and landed at a thrifty

farm. Here we found a son of old Justice G , of

Boston. In early life he married a young lady in St.
Domingo, and they were happily residing on that island
when an insurrection among the blacks obliged him to
flee with his wife and mother. They succeeded in
reaching this country with a remnant of their property,
and settled upon the Ohio. Here they have remained
twelve years ; they ivork hard but sleep sound. Their
greatest trouble is the want of educational privileges for
their children, who are very intelligent and promising.
Having heard of a good school about twenty miles from
their location, (this was the nearest within their reach,)
the father with two of his children accompanied us in
our boat. We found him a very intelligent and agree-
able companion.

^^ August Sth. Although our boats were lashed
together last night, yet two ran ashore in consequence

20 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

of tlie fog, and a soldier sleeping on deck, encumbered
with a heavy watcli coat, &c., fell overboard and sunk
to rise no more. Poor fellow ! be was summoned in an
unexpected moment into an unknown world, and left
some hearts to bleed, no doubt, for his untimely end.
Our boat got on to what they call a sawyer. These are
trees carried by freshets into the river, and catching to
the bottom. When the water is low, (vv^hich is generally
the case at this season of the year,) these sawyers are
very dangerous. The tops being just above water,
boats often catch in them and are much damaged, and
sometimes sunk. When we struck, the jar and noise
awoke us from a sound sleep, and alarmed us not a
little ; but a kind Providence preserved us from
destruction, and we received no material damage.

" We stopped this evening at a beautiful place with-
out a name, and took a pleasant walk along the bank.
We are in the habit of buying butter, eggs, &c., as we
go along, and have found them abundant, cheap and
good. Needing some butter now, we called at a house
hoping to have our wants supplied ; but the good house-
wife very carelessly told us that she had been making
soap that day, and not having sufficient grease had
supplied the deficiency with butter. What a country,
thought I, where people can afford to use sweet butter
for soap grease !

" August 9th. Arrived at Newport and found decent
quarters in a comfortable location. This is a military
depot. Cincinnati lies directly opposite, and is said to
he a flourishing toivn. I intend going to see it to-day.

" The view, as seen from this side of the river reminds

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 21

me more of Boston than any place that I have yet seen.
Thirty years ago it was almost a wilderness. I can
only account for its rapid growth by the fact that the
settlers are principally Yankees. I long much to see
my dear mother and sisters, and New England friends,
but as my beloved husband was obliged to come here,
I have never for a moment regretted that I accompa-
nied him. It is a great comfort that we can be
together, and I have the satisfaction of feeling that I
am performing my duty. This place is healthy, we
are both well, the season is delightful, and we have an
abundance of fruit, which is here both plenty and
cheap. How long we shall be allowed to remain here
is altogether uncertain. We are now awaiting farther
orders. I hope they may be to stay here or to return
to Pittsburgh, but fear we shall be destined still farther
west."

At Newport, Capt. and Mrs. Bacon formed the
acquaintance of a family by the name of Taylor. The
gentleman was a brother of General Taylor, afterwards
President of the United States. He owned a beautiful
plantation a short distance from the military quarters,
upon the bank of the river, and treated Mr. and Mrs.
B. with the utmost attention and hospitality. He
often sent them delicious fruit, aud frequently invited
them to his house. Years afterward, Mrs. Bacon writes,
" Very pleasant is the recollection of the hours passed
in their society. Sweet was our social converse when
seated in the calm twilight, on the front piazza, over-
looking the splendid lawn which spread its green car-
pet to the edge of the river. The fruit trees on either
side of the mansion were loaded with their rich treas-

22 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

iires wliicli not only delighted the eye but regaled the
palate.^'

^^ S&pt, 2d, 1811. Oar fears are realized; ^ye arc
ordered still farther west, and ao;ain find ourselves in
our boats upon the Ohio. We have much to engage
our attention, but my thoughts often recur to my
absent friends, whom I fondly love, and I trust that
neither time or distance will ever diminish my affec-
tion. I have no female companion \Aih. me on the
boat now. Our family consists of Col., Capt. S., hus-
band and self. Our cabin is quite large, and we are
very well accommodated. On account of the lowness of
the water, which renders navigation dangerous by
night, our boats stop at evening, and those who choose,
can sleep in tents on shore.

'' Sept. 3d Last night the boats were anchored under
a high bank, and as the summit presented nothing
very inviting, we hardly thought it worth while to
ascend it. But our minds were soon changed by the
report of some of the gentlemen whose curiosity led
them to reconnoitre a little distance. They brought
with them some beautiful straw hats which they had
purchased of a Swiss family, whom they found located a
short distance from the river. About thirty families
had taken up their residence here, being driven from
their own country by the troubles in France. They
fled to our peaceful shores, and purchasing some land
of our government, planted vineyards, the produce of
which enables them to realize the comfort and inde-
pendence which they fondly anticipated.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 23

" We purcliasecl some of their wine made from Madeira
and other grapes, and those who considered themselves
judges of the article pronounced it excellent. But for
my part, I much prefer the grapes unpressed. We
went into one of the vineyards ; it was a charming
sight. The house was pleasantly situated, and the
yard laid out with good taste. "We approached the
front door through rows of vines (supported by poles
five or six feet high) loaded with clusters of ripe
grapes, while the peach and nectarine trees swept the
ground, so heavily were they laden with the delicious
fruit. The family were neatly dressed ; a number of
fine, healthy children adorned the front yard, the grass
of which having been newly mown, perfumed the air
with its fragrance. It was one of the finest twilights
I ever saw. We tarried until the full-orbed moon
warned us that it was time to depart. We left with
great reluctance, and like our mother Eve, on leaving
her beautiful Eden, we cast a long and lingering look
behind. I bad often read of such charming spots ; but
thought they existed only in the author's brain, yet I
must say that my eyes hero beheld a sight equal to
any thing of which I ever read. This place is called
Yevay, in Indiana.

" Sept. 4:fh. We arrived at Jefiersonville this morn-
ing at nine o'clock, and now the boats are preparing to
go through the Eapids. The water is very lov/ and it
is found necessary to take all the baggage out, and
send it round by land. The distance is three miles
and it takes only thirteen minutes to go by water.
Lieut. G's boat with himself and wife, and Mr. and

24 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

Mrs. A. lias gone over safely. We could go by land,
inasmucli as my liusband being quarter-master, lias
cbarge of the property. But we prefer to run all risks
wMch are necessary for tlie rest of tlie officers and their
wives. It is rather critical navigation here ; we are
obliged to have two pilots, one at the bow and the other
at the stern.

" Sqyt. 4:tJi. We are safe over the Rapids ; it was
frightful indeed. It seemed like being at sea in a
storm, surrounded by breakers. The clouds were
heavy, the wind was high, and a thunderstorm threat-
ening us which burst upon us just as we got into port.
We had no passengers in our boat except Capt P. and
lady, and ourselves, the soldiers having gone by land.
We stood, while passing the Rapids, with our eyes
stretched to their utmost width, tliat we might see the
whole in its perfection ; although hardly daring to take
a long breath under the fear that our boat might strike
the rocks.

" We have laid below the falls these two days, and
have been highly interested, viewing the petrifactions
which are abundant and extremely curious. I have
taken some specimens along with me that I may show
them to my friends some future day should I ever have
the good fortune to meet them. Indeed, I often wish
that I could transport them here, that they might
behold with me the wonderful works of nature. We
are fast approaching the lowlands. From Pittsburgh
thus far, there has been a constant succession of hills
and vales ; but in a few hours a vast extent of level
country will open to our view. We are come to the

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 25

lowlands. The contrast is great ; not a mountain or
hill now meets the eye. This is a pleasant way of
traveling — every thing goes on as regular as if at
housekeeping. Oar cook prepares his food well, and
does the laundry work admirably. We drink the
river water ; it tastes very well, but I do not like to
think of the dirt that is thrown into it. Last nio-ht we
had a recruit added to our number, in the shape of a
bit of female mortality born in a tent on the banks of
the Wabash, whicli river we are now ascending. Our
progress is slow and very difficult, the current, which is
against us, being very strong. We could go as far in
ttvo days with the current in our favor, as we can in
twelve with it setting against us. To add to our diffi-
culties, the Eiver Wabash is full of snags, sawyers, and
sand-bars, and the night air is so damp that if exposed
to it we are in danger of fever and ague. And here I
must record fn furious account of an attack of that
disease which I heard from a western settler : ' You
see, ma'am, ^ said he, * we had just got moved into our
new house, when I was took down with that pesky
ague. First came the chills, and I shook so hard that
all the plasterin' fell off my walls ; next the fever riz,
and made my room so hot that the lathes Jcetched afire,
and I should have been burnt to death hadn't the
sweatin^ turn come on so powerful as to drench the
room with water, and quinch the flames.'

^^Oct 1st., 1811. We arrived at Yincennes, Indiana

Territory, and find all engaged for a campaign against

the Indians. Our health is very good at present,

although my dear Josiah has been burnt with gun-

3

26 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

powder, wliicli might have destroyed life had not a
kind Providence prevented. He was priming his gun,
for the sake of shooting some wild fowl which are
plenty on the river. The flint of the gun heing rather
long, struck fire into the powder, in the pan hy coming
in contact with it in shutting. The flask, which con-
tained nearly half a pound of powder exploded, throw-
ing the contents into his face, burning his eyebrows
and lashes close. He shrieked, and putting his hands
to his face took the skin entirely off. He could not see
at all for a fortnight, and we sometimes feared that he
never would see again. But a simple curd made of
new milk and vinegar cured his eyes, and an applica-
tion of oil and brandy alternately applied to his face
healed it rapidly.

'' Just after he was burnt, I took a violent cold by
being out to view the comet, which had just made its
appearance, and was quite sick in consequence. We
were two pitiable objects, neither able to help the other
and yet both needing assistance. When we arrived at
Vincennes, no carriage could be procured, although I
was hardly able to step, from debility, and my poor
Josiah could not see at all ; so we both had to be led.
The night was dark and rainy, but amid all these difii-
culties we reached our lodgings at the only public
house in the village. It proves to be a very good house,
although overcrowded at present. But we shall be
better accommodated when the officers from Ohio and
Kentucky are gone.

"Gov. Harrison called upon me to-day, previous to his
departure for his Indian campaign. He had on a
hunting-shirt (as they call it here,) of calico, trimmed

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 27

witli frill o-e. In form it resembled a woman's short-
gown ; only the ends were pointed instead of being
square, and were tied in a hard knot to keep the gar-
ment snug. On his head sat a round beaver, grace-
fully ornamented with a white ostrich plume. He is
tall and slender, with dark, piercing eyes, and most
pleasing manners, and certainly exhibited not only
politeness but benevolence, in thus noticing a poor sick
stranger. It made an impression upon my mind w^hich
will never be effaced. '^

Little did Mrs. Bacon think when thus describing the
person and manners of Gov. Harrison that she spoke of
the future President of these United States. And as
little did she foresee that distant future when his kind
remembrance of herself and husband should secure to
them a position of usefulness and comfort in their de-
clining years. But we will not anticipate.

*' Oct. 5th. The troops have left Vincennes to-day.
It was a sad sight to see them depart for war. A
number of fine young men, volunteers from Ohio and
Kentucky, left their studies in college to participate in
this campaign. How many of them will return in
safety to their homes and kindred none but God can
tell ! My husband's sight continuing very Aveak, it
was not thought prudent for him to go on with the
troops. So the charge of Fort Knox is assigned him
together with the care of the invalid soldiers.

'^Oct. 8th. So here we are at Fort Knox, a stockade
or military depot on the banks of the Wabash. I have
not a single female associate, but I have my husband

28 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

and so all is ivell. I venture alone sometimes outside
tlie pickets, but although a soldier's wife, I lay no
claim to heroism. And as I do not relish the idea of
being scalped by our red brethren, I never venture far,
but strive to content myself with those sources of
enjoyment which are within my reach. I read, write,
sew, converse, and think of absent friends whom it
seems to me I never loved better than now. Josiah's
eyes are getting strong fast, and he is impatient to
rejoin his regiment. Indeed, he has besought the
physician to pronounce him well enough, and has be-
sides written to his colonel, requesting that he will order
him to join him.

" Oct 0th. My husband has received the order to
rejoin his regiment. This is very much to his satisfac-
tion, though not exactly to mine. Inglorious ease suits
me better than it does him. Although we have been
here only a week, we must pack up and be off to Viu-
cennes again.

'* Oct lOtJi. My dear husband is gone to the army,
and I am boarding at Vincennes, with a Mrs. Jones. I
have a very pleasant companion in Mrs. Witlock, the
wife of an officer commanding another regiment. They
are Virginians. I have had a return of the fever and
ague, and Mrs. W. has nursed mo like a sister. The
troops are eighty miles from this place, building a fort.
The Indians in that neighborhood have as yet mani-
fested no decided hostility towards them, but they are
so deceitful and treacherous that no reliance can be
placed upon their good will. The British furnish them

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 29

with arms, ammunition, and rations. I hear that
Colonel Miller has been very ill, and was obliged while
sick to lie upon the ground ' in a tent. He is now
better. I should like very much to ask him and the
rest (who were so impatient to go) how they like their
new situation. AVe have had no cold weather here yet,
though it is now November. Indeed, I have not once
sat by a fire during the past six months. We expect to
stay here all winter, which is a disagreeable prospect to
me, for I do not much fancy the place or the people.
Dear New England, I love thee better than ever. Oh,
shall I be so happy as to visit thy blest scenes once
more, for blest indeed they are to me.

'* This place (Vincennes) was settled about one hun-
dred years since by the French. Judging by the
present appearance of the place, its original inhabitants
could not have had much enterprise or industry. The
people are mostly Eoman Catholic, and in their habits
not much superior to the Indians. The local situation
of the place is very pleasant. It lies upon a clear
stream of water which affords a variety of fish, besides
the more important facilities of easy intercourse with
the neighboring states and territories. The village is
perfectly level with the exception of three mounds
which are situated at the rear of the place. These are
supposed to have been raised by the Indians some
centuries since, but for what purpose we can only
conjecture. They are quite ornamental, and the centre
mound is easy of access, having a foot-path winding up
on the back side. I rode to the top of it on horseback.
Perhaps future generations may see this a flourishing
place. There are now a few American families here,

30 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

and tliose are emigrants cliiefly from Virginia and
Kentucky. Slavery has been tolerated here, but I am
happy to say that it is being removed. Land in this
western country needs but little labor to prepare it for
cultivation compared with ours at the east, but then
produce does not command so good a price here."

The writer hopes that our western neighbors will not
feel scandalized by this meagre description of a place
now so important and flourishing as Vincennes. If the
reader will bear in mind that this account was penned
more than forty years ago, they will not need to be
told that it can in no respect (except that of location)
accurately describe the present aspect of this thrifty
and beautiful place. American emigration and Amer-
ican enterprise have far outstripped even the eager
anticipations of the most sanguine, and left the sober
calculations of the prudent at a marvelous distance.

But we must return to the journal of Mrs. B. which
carries us back to an event that long after its accom-
plishment lingered like a spell upon the nation's lips,
and became the watchword of political combatants, and
the talisman of their success. This was tlie battle of
Tippecanoe.

^^ Nov. SOtJi, 1811. Have been for some days very
desirous to hear from our regiment, as my imagin-
ation oft pictures my dear husband in the midst of
danger and death. Oh, may he be mercifully spared.
News — news from the army has just arrived! My
precious Josiah, after being exposed to that most horrid
of all battles — an Indian attack — has been preserved
in safety. I cannot describe my feelings — words can-

BIOGRAPHY OF MR?. LYDIA B. BACON. 31

not do justice to tliem. I hope that this new, tliis great
mercy, may be the means of raising our thouglits to
God, our Creator and Preserver, who has watched over
us ever since we had a being, and has done us good,
and only good, continually. Oh, is it not strange that
beings so dependent should so little realize their utter
weakness. And stranger still, that creatures so unde-
serving should live, daily recipients of the divine
bounty, and feel no corresponding emotions of love and
gratitude.

''I do not regret that Josiah was in this battle, for 1
trust that the goodness of God in thus saving his life,
has made impressions on both our hearts which will not
easily be effaced. His duty as quarter-master was
particularly arduous, of course, on a march. And
although he was not attached to any particular com-
pany, yet he was equally exposed to danger with those
who were. While bridling his horse, one ball went
through his hat, and another passed through the skirt of
his coat, just hitting his boot and the hoofs of his horse.
The army was encamped in a hollow square, on a rising
piece of ground, the tents all facing outward, beyond
which a guard was placed. Suspicious of the Indians,
(although they were apparently friendly,) the troops
had retired to their tents with their clothes on, and
their weapons of war by their side. Thus they tried to
sleep, but I am sure their slumbers could not have been
very sweet or refreshing. The Indians attacked them
a little before day which is their usual method. The
first gun was heard, and the regulars were at their
post in a moment. The enemy had their faces painted
black, which is their usual custom in an attack. This

32 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

our troops could only see bj tlie light afforded at the
flashing of the guns, but accompanied by their tre-
mendous war-whoop and the groans of the wounded, it
rendered the scene terrific indeed. Yet amidst it all
our troops never faltered, but answered the whoop with
three hearty cheers. This dreadful battle lasted until
daylight, when the Indians were completely routed and
compelled to retire with great loss.

" Lieutenant Peters relates an affecting incident of
this battle. Among the militia from Kentucky was a
Captain Spencer who had been in tivelve Indian cam-
paigns. He was accompanied in this expedition by his
son, an intelligent boy about twelve years of age.
This brave little fellow had a gun adapted to his size,
went on guard in his turn, and fought like a man.
During the fight the darkness prevented any one from
knowing w^ho had fallen. Each feared for his fellow.
As soon as the fight was over, this poor boy sought his
father, but alas ! he was not among the living — the
hero of so many battles had at last met his fate. And
a gentleman searching for his friends found this afflict-
ed child weeping over the mangled body of his father.
My heart aches for him, and for his distressed mother,
who is left poor, with a large family of children to be
supported by her own exertions. Alas ! many others
are made widows and orphans by this dreadful fight.
Oh, when will brother cease to lift his hand against his
brother, and nations learn war no more !

** Oh, what a day was that when we at Vincennes
heard of this battle of Tippecanoe. Receiving at first
a mere report of the attack and victory without any
official communication, and of course without any de-

BIOGRAPHY OF SIRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 33

tails, each of us expected to hear sad news from our
dear ones, and for hours our souls were harrowed to tlie
quick, and agonized with suspense and dread. At
length the express arrived with letters, yet his feelings
were so excited, that he could not select and deliver
them, hut poured them out indiscriminately into my
lap. I was so overcome with apprehensions for my
hushand that I could neither see nor read, and passed
them into the hands of a lady who stood by me. Her
hushand not being in the war, she was more calm and
composed, and soon was enabled to find me my letter.
When told that the address was in Josiah's own hand-
writing, I could hardly believe it. My bodily weakness
was great, being just recovering from the ague and
fever, and this, aggravated by my intense anxiety
respecting my dear husband, caused me to sink faint-
ing upon the nearest chair. Eecovering soon, however,

with Mrs. G kneeling on one side of me, Mrs.

W on the other, and Mrs. J in front of me.

I opened the letter and began to read it aloud. I had
proceeded only to the third or fourth line, which con-
tained the assurance of his safety, when we all burst
into tears and thus relieved our aching hearts. Then
I was able to finish the precious document, and found
that my beloved husband (now more dear than ever)
and those whom we most valued had escaped without
serious injury. There were but two married men
killed from our regiment, and they were soldiers.
Only one married officer from the 4th was wounded.
How often have I heard or read of Indian fights until
my blood chilled in my veins, without thinking that I
should ever be so personally interested in one.

34 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

" Oar situation at Yincenncs was very mucli exposed
while the troops were absent, for every body left that
could handle a sword or carry a musket, and we women

remained without even a guard. Mrs. W and

myself had loaded pistols at our bedside, but I very
much doubt whether we should have had presence of
mind enough to use them, had we found it necessary.
If the Indians had been aware of our situation, a few
of them could have burnt the village, and massacred
the inhabitants. But a kind Providence watched over
us, and kept us from so dreadful a fate.

" Another letter brino-s intellio-ence of the death of
Capt. Bean who was tomahawked in a shocking man-
ner. It is thought by the distance at which he was
found from camp that the Indians attempted to take
him prisoner, and that he chose death rather than submit
to what he knew would be prolonged torture. He was
a man of great personal beauty, and a most excellent
officer, and commanded the love and esteem of his
brother officers in an eminent degree. It was my
husband's painful duty to see him interred. This he
did, and disguised the grave that his poor body might
not be disturbed, and his bones left to bleach upon the
plain. The others who died during this murderous
attack were all buried in one grave. But the Indians
dug up the remains and left them a prey to the beasts
of the forests, who by the way, are scarcely more
savage than themselves. Our regiment (the 4th,)
acquitted themselves with much honor in this engage-
ment, and it is said materially contributed to secure
the victory. But victories even are dearly bought with

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 35

the loss of human life, tliat life which God gave, and
which man may destroy but cannot restore.

'* Some Indian chiefs have been to Gov. Harrison since
the battle, and seem very desirous of peace. They are
much exasperated with one whom they call their
j^rophet, who, it seems, stimulated them to the fight
with the assurance that they should be victorious. The
result having proved him but man, their confidence in
him is of course greatly shaken. We are keeping
house with ]\Ir. and Mrs. Whitlock, and are very com-
fortably and pleasantly situated, as much so as is pos-
sible among entire strangers. We eat together, but
have our separate parlors, with plenty of other room,
and shall not therefore necessarily fatigue each other
by being too much together.

" A number of soldiers have died of their wounds
since their return to Vincennes. Funerals are of daily
occurrence. Yery solemn is the sight and sound, for
the cofhns are followed to the grave by soldiers with
arms reversed, marching to the tune of ' Roslyn
Castle,' with muffled drums. Poor fellows ! they have
paid the debt of nature, with no kind mother, sister, or
wife to soothe their sorrows, or alleviate their distress,
or w^ipe the death-sweat from their brow. Strangers
have performed the last sad offices, and with them their
dust shall rest until summoned by the last trump to
stand before the Judge of the quick and dead.^'

A letter from Mrs. Bacon to her mother is here
inserted, as it seems to take up the thread of her nar-
rative and brido:e over a chasm in her Journal. It is
dated Vincennes, January 20th, 1812.

36 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

*' I cannot describe to 3^011, my dear mother, how
anxiously I look forward to the time when I may once
more behold you. God only knows whether that will
ever take place. May He spare your precious life and
permit us yet to pass many happy hours together. It
is now nine months since I left you. This is a long
time for us to be separated : but the variety of scenes
through which I have passed has caused it to fly
rapidly.

'' There is an excellent preacher of the gospel here.
We (with the friends who reside with us) attend upon
his ministry, and are much pleased with him. He is
a good man and has an interesting family. The Sab-
bath here is very little observed, most of the people
being wholly engrossed with this world.

" We were very much alarmed a few nights since by
a shock of an earthquake. We were roused from a
sound sleep by the house shaking in an unusual
manner. My first impression was that the Indians
were assaulting the house, but we soon discovered
our mistake. It was truly alarming. We have had
several shocks since, some chimneys have been thrown
down and ceilings cracked. This exhibition of Almighty
power has excited feelings in my breast different from
any which I ever before experienced. It impresses me
with the uncertainties of life, the fallibility of all
earthly enjoyment and the necessity of religion to give
peace and happiness here and prepare us for a solemn
hereafter. My dear sister, youth is the time to make
that preparation for eternity. Piety is delightful in
the young, and the poet says,

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 37

* Religion never Avas designed
To make our pleasures less.'

" I felt a little A'cxed, dear motlicr, with those wives
whom you mentioned in 3-oiir last letter. So iliey
would prefer staying at home rather than suffer such
inconveniences. Pray, why did they get married ?
Never, no, never for a single instant, have / heen
sorry that I accompanied my liushancl. On the con-
trary, I feel grateful to the Author of all our blessings
that I was permitted to come, to bo with him when
sick, and to encourage and comfort him under the
various ills which flesh is heir to. Some may say this
is enthusiasm ; but really I think we have been mar-
ried long enough to find out whether the attachment
which has grown with our growth and strengthened
with our strenojth is real or imaoinarv.^^

Surely no one can read this genuine outburst of
devoted conjugal affection, without thoroughly admir-
ing its author both as a woman and a wife.

Her love though possessing all the tenderness and
fervor of romance, was not of that sentimental kind
which expands itself in fine words or endearing caresses.
She was eminently i)ractical; and while some wives
(though eloquently bewailing their husband's absence)
preferred their pleasant parlors and the gayeties of
fashionable life, to the discomforts of travel and hard-
ship in their husband's company. She chose the
latter, and (as she so feelingly wrote) never regretted
the sacrifice. But we must return to her journal
4

38 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

wliicli is continued under date of Vincennes, March
lltli, 1812.

'' We expect to leave tins place soon ; but where
our destination is to be we know not. We can only
liope it Vv'ill be towards home ; but of this there is, I
suppose, little prospect. The boats are now being
prepared to convey us hence. We still continue to feel
repeated stj-okes of tlie earthquake. I often rise in the
night to examine the weather, having learned by obser-
vation that our most severe shocks have been experi-
enced in still, lowering weather.

" There Avas an Indian Council held here last week
wliicli curiosity prompted me to attend. There were
about seventy of these hideous creatures painted most
grotesquely, and profusely ornamented. I have no
doubt but to their admiring eyes they looked charm-
ingly ; for ' there is no accounting for the difference in
tastes.' One side of their faces was painted red and
the other green. They were bedecked with nose and
ear-jewels, and some of them wore silver bands upon
their arms, and medals suspended from their necks.
One still more fantastically arrayed bad a pair of cow's
horns upon his bead. They are good, natural orators,
but all they said had to be interpreted. After the
Council, the calunaet of peace was smoked. This is a
long pipe made especially for the purpose, and eacli

one takes their turn in smoking it. Mrs. G

smoked with them ; but I kept out of siglit in an
adjoining room, as I had no inclination to taste it
after its being so richly spiced with the breath of so
many red and white brethren. Had I showed myself
in the room where the Indians sat, I should have been

BIOGRAPJIY OF MRS. LYDIA C. EACON. 39

compelled to smoke ' tlie pipe of peace/ or else liavc
incurred their suspicion and liatred. So I acted upon
the old adage, ' an ounce of prevention is better than
a pound of cure.'

" Before the Indians left our village they gave the
inhabitants a specimen of their agility, by dancing
before eacli house. Tlieir music was made by means
of a heg with deer-skms drawn over it. This they
strike rapidly, but most unskillfully, making a doleful
humdrum noise. Their entire dress Avhile dancing,
consists of a piece of cotton cloth around their waist.
Their squaws and pappooses came with them. When
the squaws are allowed to ride (^whicli by the way is
very seldom,) they ride upon their liorses in the same
manner as the men. Their little ones are lashed to a
board and carried upon tlieir backs. When tliey stop,
they suspend them to the bough of a tree.

" We visited what is called a sugar-camp last week,
and were much gratified with witnessing the process of
sugar-making. This part of the country abounds in
sugar-maples. Large trees are selected in which holes
are bored and tubes inserted. These tubes convey the
liquor which runs from the trees into a trough prepared
for its reception. It is very clear, and pleasant to the
taste. This is boiled in large kettles, or caldrons ; and
when sufficiently done (which those who make it seem
intuitively to know,) it is made into sugar by being
constantly stirred while cooling. This article is most
delicious, as all who have tasted it will testify. The
labor of making it here is performed by blacks, super-
intended closely hy their mistress. The lady whom we
saw doing it in this instance, was a person of great

40 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

rcspectabilitj and abundant wealth. I enjoyed my
ride to tlie sn gar-camp verj much. It was a beautiful
afternoon ; the air was mild and sweet, the weather
delightful, and my pony upon whose back I rode,
stepped along with a springy gait which seemed to say
that he enjoyed it too.

" This climate is so mild that I have put on no extra
clothing this winter except when walking or riding.
And then a large shawl was sufficient even in the
coldest days. Only a very little snow has fallen, and
this disappeared as soon as it touched the ground.
Trees bloomed in February, and the gardens are now
quite forward. Lettuce, radishes and asparagus we
have already, and this without the assistance of hot-
beds.

*^ March Slst. We have received orders to proceed
at once to Detroit. I shall go the rounds, I dare say,
ere I am permitted to see my dear mother and sisters.
The troops are to go h?/ land, and not hi/ water, as was
at first thought. The distance from A^incennes to
Detroit by the route we are to take is six hundred
miles, and we are to sleep on the ground in tents. It
will take some days to accomplish this journey. We
are to proceed to Xewport, Kentucky, from thence
cross the river to Cincinnati, and go through Ohio to
Michigan. We shall pass through some thriving vil-
lages, but mostly through woods and prairies, where
none but the hunter and the Indian have penetrated.
The journey looks formidable in prospect. Mrs.
F , Mrs. G and myself are to ride on horse-
back. My husband being on the staff, will have the

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA E. EACON. 41

same privilege. So I shall bo spared the distress of
seeing liim encounter the liardships wliich those who
march must necessarily endure. I Iiavc been learning
to ride on horseback, and like it much ; but how I shall
succeed in riding tlirough swamps and fording rivers,
experience alone will determine.

"J% Uth, 1S12. Left Vincenncs to-day. Our
friends here manifested much regret at our departure,
which I fully reciprocated as far as leaving them was
concerned. They have been kind companions, and we
have passed our time most agreeably together. Their
cordial and affectionate attentions have made an im-
pression upon my heart which time or distance will

never efface. Dear Mr. and Mrs. , may they

never need a friend ! or if they do, may they find
those wdio will repay them a hundred fold for their
kindness to us.

" Six o^elocJCf P. 31. I have just seated myself with
the other ladies upon the trunk of a tree. This makes
a pretty good sofa considering the time and place. I
have been much amused wdth seeing the soldiers pitch
their tents, wdiich was performed with much alacrity
and order. After this, in most primitive styla, -we took
our tea, or rather ate our suppers, (which we did with a
good appetite,) the ground serving us for table and
chairs.

"lo^A, Ijvenivg. We went fifteen miles to-day, the
roads being very bad and our progress of course slow.
The weather, however, is beautiful, and we are having
fine moonlight nio-hts. AVe like travelins: on horse-

42 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

back thus far. I slept finely on the ground last niglit
for the first time in my life. A hear-sJdn was our bed-
stead, and a buffalo robe our bed. The Colonel very
gravely begs us not to fall into the cellar.

'' IQth. F 31. We ladies went on ahead of the
troops to-day with some soldiers to guard us ; and
when a convenient place ofi'ered, we alighted and took
' a siesta' which refreshed us exceedingly. A fire was
made to keep the musquitoes off who are very annoying
in these parts. We have now arrived at a log house,
where I am seated upon a bed for want of chairs.
The fire-place is large enough for a room, the chimney
is built of logs and mud ; and I should think that
when it rains the house would be flooded. I am told
that this is one of the best houses between Vincennes
and Louisville.

" 17iJi, A. 31. It rained hard all last night, yet I
never slept better in my life. We are now ready to
start. Dear mother and sisters ! how I wish you
could see us now, you would have a hearty laugh at the
comical fi2:ure which we exhibit. I have a laro-e bao-
hanging to the pommel of my saddle, containing
necessaries. Among other things, I have a Bible and
Homer's Iliad (translated) for the mind, while for the
stomach, provision is made in the form of a huge
sponge cake presented by a friend on the morning of
our departure. I enjoy myself highly; and one great
source of my pleasure is the anticipation of yours, if I
should ever be permitted to relate in person tlie many
curious and interesting circumstances which occur.

BIOGRArilY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 43

*♦ 18^7?, A. 31. The General is beating, so I must put
away my pen that our house may be packed for marching.

" P. 31. We have arrived at our resting-place for the
night. The raiu has poured from tlie clouds all day.
We became very wet, so we stopped in the woods and
had a large fire made for drying ns. There is no scarcity
of wood here, and we have splendid fires. The men
gathered heaps of dry sticks and placed them against a
large green tree, the branches of which served as a shelter
from the rain while we dried ourselves. It was rather
uncomfortable drying our wet garments upon us in this
manner, but we made the best of it. Afterwards we
were provided with umbrellas and went on very well.
The fatigue of the day has given me a fine appetite.
Our supper is ready, and Josiah is begging me to eat,
so good-night, dear Journal, and dearer absent friends.

'' Idtli, A. 31. We have a bright sun this morning,
and are going on in fine health and spirits. We liave
passed through some beautiful forests, where the ground
seemed enamelled witli flowers. My feelings to-day
have been much tried by seeing the soldiers' wives
trudging along on foot, almost knee deep in mud, and
some of them with a child in tlieir arms. Only four or
five wagons are allowed to carry the baggage, and of
course the poor women must sufi*er. I should think it
would kill them. We passed two houses to-day which
were deserted by the inhabitants through fear of the
Indians. We understand that a camp of them is near
us on a hunting excursion. Our friends express the
fear that we may suffer for want of good food. Surely
they might spare such concern for me if they would

44 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

only remember tliat / have the very best Bacon in the
world ! Mother, you would laugh to see our cook roast
chickens. He takes a green stick, sharpened at the
ends, and placing the fowl upon one end sticks the other
in the ground before a good fire, and biddy roasts to a
charm. Or, if a joint of meat is to be cooked, two
sticks are put in the ground with their tops shaped like
a fork, so that another stick can rest across them.
From the last stick the meat is suspended in the centre
and cooks very well indeed. We have a pack-horse who
carries a pair of mess-boxes for our accommodation.
These boxes are made with separate apartments, which
contain our cups, plates, &c. Our tea is carried in can-
nisters ; our table is the hind-board of a wagon set on a
portable cricket shutting up like a cot bedstead. Our
candlestick is a bayonet with the point in the ground,
the part in which the gun fits serving admirably for a
socket to put the candle in.

^^ P. M. To-night vre have encamped near a house.
The landlady is very patriotic and gave the soldiers a
generous supply of milk.

" 22c?. It has been very rainy for two or three days
past. One of the soldiers was taken suddenly ill with
cholera-morbus, and breathed his last sio-h in a bao^2:ao:e
wagon. He was buried in the woods, in a rude bark
coffin — the only one of which the times would admit.

''23c?. Every step brings us toivard home, yet I
fancy it will be long ere we shall see it. Dear friends,
I think if I could see you once more I could sit and look
at you for a month at least. The weather is still dull

CIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 45

and Avct, and tlio ground in a bad condition to lie on.
When we can get straw we put some under our bear-
skin to sleep on, and when the straw is not to be had
we substitute tlie leaves of trees and cover them with
bark. This also makes an excellent carpet for our
tents, and with the addition of a fire at the door to keep
off the musquitoes renders us very comfortable. Wc
are in good health, eat heartily and sleep sound.

•' 27th. I have omitted writing for several days, hav-
ing nothing pleasing to relate. Our men get sick ; two
were buried this morning. I believe I have never
mentioned my pony particularly, which is quite ungrate-
ful in me. She is a character, I am sure, being not
only clever and amiable, but stepping to the sound of
the drum like any regular. And besides, she is not
afraid of the guns, minding the firing no more than I
should tlie singing of the birds. I sit quietly on her
back while the men discharge their pieces.

" 2^th. We have arrived at Louisville, Kentucky.
It is a handsomo and flourishing town situated on the
Ohio. The citizens gave our officers a splendid dinner
in honor of the battle of Tippecanoe, where our regi-
ment was associated with Kentuckians. We have had
a delightful time here. Kentucky is a perfect garden ;
but then they tolerate slavery \\crQ, ^\\\\(A\ I feel to be a
great evil

" 3£iy 20th. We liad green peas and strawberries
to-day, wliicli were very acceptable. As we pass through
Kentucky great respect is paid to our regiment. It is

46 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACOX.

amusing to see what a parade they make over us.
One old gentleman asked one of the officers ' if those

young women, (meaning Mrs. F and myself,) came

all the way from Vincennes ?' He was told that we
did, and that one of us had been the whole campaign !
This answer filled him with wonder and admiration.
We have passed through Frankfort, another flourishing
town in Kentucky. The inhabitants treated us with
every possible attention, giving a dinner both to the
officers and soldiers. And when we vrere leaving the
town a salute was fired, accompanied with three cheers.

" Neivport, KeMuclnj, June 7th. "\Ye have once more
arrived at this place with feelings far different from
those with which we left here last summer. Then we
were going farther from dear New England ; now we are
going towards it, which is a great satisfaction, even if
we do not very soon reach it. Oh, there is nothing
thrills the heart of the wanderer like thought of home
and friends.

''June lOtJi. We crossed the Ohio, at Cincinnati, at
two o'clock this afternoon. The boats which were sent
to convey the troops across the river were ornamented
with the American and regimental colors. Two com-
panies of Artillery waited on the bank to recciv^e us.
They fired a salute, and then escorted us througli an
arch erected for the occasion, on which was inscribed,
* To the Heroes of Tippecanoe.' When the troops
reached the encamping ground a handsome collation
awaited them, which had been prepared by the hospi-
tality of tlie people of this delightful town. The

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA 13. BACON. 47

officers and tlicir ladies liad been previously invited to

General G 's, where we were entertained with an

elegant and liberal hospitality.

'' A few evenings since we were encamped at a place
called Dry Ridge, in Franklin county, near a public
house. A puppet show had drawn together all the
young people for twenty miles round. After they had
examined the show sufficiently, the day not being nearly
spent, they betook themselves to dancing. Some of us
at the camp hearing of the fun went up to see them.
An amusing sight truly ! The day was intensely warm
and yet they danced with all their might. They were
dressed in their best of course : skirts very short, thick
leather shoes with sharp toes. The lads disencumbered
themselves of their coats and vests, and performed
feats of activity at once surprising and ludicrous, while
the perspiration flowed copiously down their heated faces.

''June 12th. We have at last reached Urbana,
where we found General Hull with fifteen hundred
militia waiting for our regiment. We were received
with great respect some distance from the town, and
escorted into Urbana throuo-h an arch ornamented with
oak branches and laurel from the forest. In the centre
of this arch the American eagle spread her broad
pinions, while on one side of it was inscribed ' Tippe-
canoe,^ and on the other ' Glory.' We take up the line
of march tomorrow for Detroit. A party precedes us
to cut roads and make them passable. General Hull
and Governor Meigs, of Ohio, called on the ladies of
the regiment immediately on our arrival. These
gentlemen are both very courtly in their manners, par-

48 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

ticularlj General Hull, who is Commander-in-Chief to
the troops. After three or four days of incessant rain,
accompanied often with heavy thunder and lightning,
the clouds have dispersed, and the bright sun again
greets us with his cheering rays Oh, how cheering
after so long an absence and such a situation as ours !
We have been coming through dreadful roads, part of
the way being entire swamps, and all of us being
repeatedly wet through.

" Our tent was one wliicli was used at Tippecanoe,
and many a shot lias told its tale in its canvass. The
holes admit the air freely, and, (when it rains,) the
water also. At niglit we sleep with an open umbrella
over us to keep the rain from disturbing our repose.
We shall stop here a day or two to prepare cartridges.
The troops are expecting an attack from the Indians ere
we reach Detroit. God only knows what is before us.
Let us hope that such a calamity may be averted ; it
would be dreadful with such a number of women and
children along.

" We understand that a number of Indians arc at
Fort Maiden. The Enolish have been holdino- n coun-
cil with them, and no doubt have done every thing on
their part to instigate them to hostilities. Breast-
works are made every night around our encampment,
by felling trees and heaping tliem on each other. It
seems as if the very ground trembles as the mighty
oak, elm and maple fall. Both the officers and men
sleep with their clothes on, and their implements of
war by their side. T wonder how my dear sisters would
feel to know I was in such a situation. Doubtless when
they read this they will shudder at the idea of a female

BIOGRAPHY OF INIIIS. LYDIA B. BACON. 49

being so exposed. But it is an acknowledged fact that
people in perilous situations do not so deeply realize
their danger at the time as afterward. I feel quite
composed and those around me seem so too, but I hope
our courage will not be put to tlie test.

" June l^tJi. We have arrived sixty-tliree miles north
of Dayton, and five beyond the Indian boundary.
Amid the noise and bustle of a camp, the frequent firing
of guns and rattling of drums, my heart, (true as the
needle to the magnet,) turns to the dear circle of loved
ones at home. More quickly than the bird of swiftest
wing, my thoughts fly to mother, sisters and friends ;
and as imagination depicts yon in many a well re-
membered scene, I stretch my arms with the earnest
longing to be once more in your midst. God speed the
happy day when these fond fancies shall become living
realities, and these warm desires be swallowed up in
their blissful fulfillment.

" We are encamped on a spot of ground to-day
where once stood an Indian village. Very little re-
mains to show that human beino;s once inhabited this
place. Oh, how easily may every vestige of man's
presence be blotted out, so that the places that once
knew him shall know him no more forever. Not so
with the works of an Almighty hand. ' He speaks and
it is done ; he commands and it stands fast.^ The
ground here is covered with strawberry vines full of
their luscious burden, and adorned with wild roses and
other flowers. Even in one corner of our tent is a very
sw^eet wild rose smiling upon us in its beauty, all un-
conscious of the pleasure it bestows on the w^anderer
5

50 BIOGRAPHY OF :MRS. LYDIA E. BACOX.

wlio have taken up tlicir abode liere for the niglit.
Could my dear Eastern friends travel with me through
these American wilds, and sec the beauty which God
has lavished where there are none to admii-e, much less
to praise, they would I am sure share in my wonder and
astonishment, as well as in my enjoyment. These
western militia are very different from regular troops.
They seem to have very little idea of order and discipline,
and think they may do, (as did Israel of old,) every
man what is right in his own eyes. Some of them have
been guilt}" of great insubordination. One man for
mutinous conduct has been tried, and sentenced to have
his head shaved, the word ' Tory ' written on his back,
and to be drummed out of camp to the tune of the
' Ilogue's March.' 1 shall never forget the poor fellow^'s
look when he heard his sentence. I thought he would
have fainted. He fell on his knees and besought for
pardon, and if tJiis ivere impossible, he begged they ivould
shoot him. He could bear death better than disgrace.
He said that he had a wife and child who loved him,
and whom he had left as a volunteer to serve his coun-
try. Kot understanding military law, he had thought-
lessly committed this fault. I looked at the General,
and my throbbing heart and streaming eyes plead for
the culprit, and I longed to whisper * be merciful as our
Father in Heaven is merciful.' The poor fellow was
then led through the camp, and while his sentence was
being read to the army, the barber stood by ready to
shave him. But the General interposed and pardoned
him, and thus not only made the poor soldier happy, but
conferred joy upon all who witnessed his clemency.
Had they proceeded to execute the sentence, the ladies

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA C. BACON. 51

of tlio army with one accord would have plead on his
hehalf. Oh, when I saw him on his knees imploring
pardon, my mind reverted to his young wife, and her
distress and anguish so impressed my imagination that
I was well nigh overcome. It was almost too much for
me. I do not like to witness such scenes, hut I trust
should they he repeated they will not harden my heart.
I do not know what I should more deplore than to have
my sensibilities rendered callous to scenes of suffering."

None who knew Mrs. Bacon in after life will believe
that she lost any of her quick and tender sympathy
with distress and sorrow. Her eyes were suffused with
tears at every tale of woe, and the care with which she
sought to sJiield the feelings as well as to relieve the ne-
cessities of the poor and suflPering, was worthy of all
praise. But the narrative continues :

" We have been now six weeks on our journey, during
four of which the weather has been rainy and un-
pleasant. I find it occasionally quite difficult to guide
my horse propeily. The new roads which the advance
party cut for us are quite narrow, so that it is some-
times impossible to prevent the large hushes and the
boughs of small trees from coming in contact with our
faces. When it rains I am obliged to hold my bridle
and umbrella with one hand, while with the other I
prevent the bushes and branches from scratching out
my eyes. Not long since I was riding rather carelessly
and musing the while, when I felt a sudden jerk and
was almost thrown from my horse. Had not the kind
creature stopped instantly I know not but I should,
(like the rebellious son of David,) have been left
hamrino; to a tree.

52 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA R. BACON.

" Blanchard^s Creek, Fort Findley. We are resting
here for a few hours. Block houses are erected every
twenty miles to keep the road open for provisions to
pass from Ohio to Detroit. As we have no vessels to
keep open our communication by the lake, should there
be a war with England, as is now apprehended, this
land route will be of vital importance. It is very
tedious traveling through roads that are only
opened as you proceed. Sometimes the horses are in
danger of miring, sometimes there is a probability of
breaking their legs in crossing the rude bridges which
are so hastily constructed ; and often in fording the
rivers the current is so strong as to render it extremely
difficult to gain the opposite shore. Many have a fine
bath ere they reach terra firma. But as yet I have
been exempt from such a disaster, which I feel would
require all my philosophy to bear with equanimity.
Yet it frequently takes all my strength and prowess to
maintain my equilibrium, as the streams are sometimes
so deep that I am obliged to put my feet upon the
horse's neck to keep them out of water.

*' This moment a man has brouo-ht us a beautiful fish
which he has just caught in the creek near by. This
will give us an excellent supper, accompanied by the
nice warm cakes which our cook was about to prepare.
We could have a dish of garlics in addition if we chose,
as the ground where we are encamped is full of them.
My tent has all the odors of a French cook-shop, not
quite so agreeable as the strawberries and roses which
so lately regaled us.

" June 2Gtli. An express has just reached us from

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 53

Wasliington to hasten the troops to Detroit. War with
England is soon to be declared. Oh, with what different
feelings shall we keep the approaching 4th of July
from any ever experienced by us. Our eastern friends
will not suffer in this war like those upon the frontier,
as the latter will be exposed to the merciless tomahawk.
This evening we encamped on a delightful spot of
ground upon the banks of the Maumee river which
empties into Lake Erie, about a mile from the place
where General Wayne defeated the Indians in 1794.
We have had dreadful roads to-day and several of our
horses gave out from fatigue. Two of them dropped
dead upon the road, and in consequence one of our
wagons was abandoned and left in the mud.

" 29/A. To-day we have passed through several
beautiful prairies covered with fruit and wild flowers.
The weather has been delightful.

" June oOtJi. Wc pass the Indian boundary to the
Michigan Territory to-dpty. We are now within seventy
miles from Detroit, which we could reach in two days
if we dared to leave the army. The troops are in fine
spirits.

" Juli/ 1st, 1812. Took up the line of march to-day,
and passed through a small village called Miami, or
Maumee. This is situated in a fine prairie, three or
four miles in leno;th. We ladies rode on ahead to the
edge of the woods which terminated the prairie, and
turning our horses, had a fine view of the troops as
they approached us. This evening we have pitched our

54 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

tents at the foot of the rapids. In crossing the river,
the water got into the mess boxes and wet our sugar.
I must here record an incident which occurred a few
evenings since, which I have not mentioned in its place.
As I was sitting at the door of our tent, enjoying the
beautiful twilight and musing upon absent friends, I
heard the report of a gun and felt the wind of some-
thing passing close to my ear. Presently an ofRcer
came up with a ramrod in his hand, which he said had
just fallen upon his tea-table, where he was taking
supper with his family outside of his tent. This was
what I felt as it whizzed past my ear. But what
an escape ! Had it gone one inch nearer, it would
have penetrated my head, and inevitable death would
have been the consequence. This happened through
the carelessness of a militia man, who in discharging
his gun, forgot to elevate it, or to remove the ramrod.
Thus I am constantly preserved through dangers seen
and unseen, and have a renewed call to adore the God
of Providence.

" Accompanied by my liusband, I have to-day visited
an old fort that formerly belonged to the British. It
was erected, I believe, by Gov. Sincoe, the first Gover-
nor of Upper Canada, in the year 1794, a few months
previous to the defeat of the Indians, by General
Wayne. It must have been a very good fort for that
day, I sliould jndge. We rode into it on horseback.

"From this place (near the rapids) it was now
thouglit best to send the baggage, together with the
sick and feeble, hj ivaicr to Detroit, while the army
performed the remainder of the journey by land. A
small unarmed vessel had been sent from Detroit for

BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 55

this purpose, and in tins Mrs. G , Mrs. F , and

myself embarked. Being much fatigued with riding
six hundred miles on horseback, and sleeping fifty
nights upon the ground, we thought the change would
be pleasant. So we left the army in fine spirits, antici-
pating the pleasure which we should enjoy in resting,
and expecting to reach Detroit in a few hours. But
when within eighteen miles of Detroit, and opposite
Maiden, in Canada, (where was a British fort and
military depot,) we saw a large boat coming towards us
with all possible speed. "When near enough to hail us,
they ordered our captain to lower his sails. He, not
knowing any reason for such a proceeding had half a
mind to continue on his course, but a second and wiser
thought altered his intentions. The fact was we were
now so near the guns of the fort that they could have
blown us out of water. And as if to hasten the cap-
tain in his submission to circumstances, two guns were
fired at us from the boat. As the shot whistled about
our ears, it caused any thing but an agreeable sensa-
tion. Excepting the ramrod, I had never come so
nearly in contact with murderous weapons before. But
now our sails were of course lowered, and the English
captain with his men came on board and took possess-
ion of our vessel as a prize. Lieut. Gooding inquired
the meaning of such conduct, and was told that war was
declared between England and America, and that the
Americans had already taken two British vessels upon
the seas.

"We could hardly credit the statement, but it was
indeed true. General Hull had received the intelli-
gence just after we started, and had sent a messenger

56 BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

to stop US, but it was too late. Wc were then "beyond
Lis reach. The British were delighted with their prize,
as our vessel contained nearly all the hospital stores,

as well as the ojficer's baggage. Mrs. G and Mrs.

r flew into the cabin as soon as the first shot was

heard, but a love of ncvelfi/, sjnced with curiosity over-
came my fears, and I remained on deck to see what was
next to come. Our captor was an English captain, by
the name of Rulet, and a very gentlemanly young
man. Ho took the helm, and our vessel was in a very
short time anchored at Maiden, and we prisoners to
his majesty, George III. This was an honor I had
little anticipated, and one moreover, that I could very
willingly have dispensed with. However, there was
nothing but to make the best of it. The English quar-
ter-master soon came on board. Lieutenant Gooding
introduced the ladies to him, observing that we were all
officers' wives. He assured us that we should be treated
as such, and invited us to his own quarters until we
could procure accommodations at the public house. So
Lieut. G and his wife, with Mrs. E and my-
self, went home with the quarter-master. We were in-
troduced to his wife, whom we thought a very pleasant
lady, and were handsomely treated to cake and refresh-
ments, so that for a few moments we almost forgot our
real situation.

" A number of Indians were at Maiden, several of
wliom were engaged in the battle of Tippecanoe.
Hearing that it was some of the 4th regiment vrho were
taken prisoners, they followed us through the streets to
the public house, scowling upon us with faces truly
terrific. After dinner several British officers called

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 57

upon US. Finding them disposed to bj civil and
friendly, I took courage to request tliem to alloio Mrs.

F and myself to proceed next day to Detroit. They

very courteously granted my request, pleasantly add-
ing, ' "We do not make war upon the ladies.' Lieut.
Gooding could not he paroled, and of course his wife
chose to stay with him. That night we slept on hoard
a prison-sJdp, hut as we were the first prisoners who
had been placed there, it was clean and comparatively
comfortable. We slept very well, considering the nov-
elty of our position. I awoke early in the morning,
having a strong desire to set my feet on republican
groimd ere our national anniversary arrived. Tomor-
row would be the 4:th of July ! Agreeable to his
promise, the quarter-master procured us a pass from
the commanding officer, and provided a carriage and

driver to take Mrs. F and myself to Detroit. A

cart was also engaged to carry our baggage. At my
earnest request, he also consented that two young boys
(sons of militia officers) and a soldier's wife, with her
young infant should accompany us. So we departed,

Mrs. F and myself in an open chaise, with a New

England man to drive, while in the rear was the cart,
guided by a Canadian, with the woman, children, and
baggage. Of the latter, most fortunately, I was per-
mitted to make my own selection, so (of course) I
secured my husband's as well as my own. On his
account I considered myself lucky to have been of the
party. The weather was fine, and we rode along quite
happy in the prospect of soon seeing our husbands.
Our road lay. upon the bank of the river Detroit. This
river is wide and deep enough for vessels of any di-

58 LIOaHAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

mcnsions to sail upon. The man who drove us lived
about lialf way between Maiden and Detroit. He
stopped at his own house to rest the horses a short time,
wliile I improved the opportunity, with his permission, to
reconnoitre the garden. I found some nice fruit which
was quite refreshing. After which we resumed our
seats in the chaise, and soon arrived at the ferry oppo-
site Detroit, having rode eighteen miles. Here a boat
was procured for us by the gentleman to whom we
presented our passport, and he kindly volunteered his
services to wait on us across the river. These we
thankfully accepted, and in a short time were seated in
the boat on our way to Detroit. The gentleman took
the helm in one hand and his cane with my pocket-
handkerchief tied to it in the other, as a flag of truce.
Of course this was the only way that peaceable people
could approach an enemy's shore in such troublous
times. Our boat was a long canoe, made out of the
trunk of a tree, and having lain out of water and
exposed to the sun, it had begun to crack. Of course
it leaked so badly in consequence that we could not
keep our feet dry, and were actively engaged all the
way across in bailing out the water. As we approached
our American shore, we saw a number of men on horse-
back riding rapidly down, quite to the edge of the
water. AYhen we came near enough to hear them, they
ordered us not to advance any nearer, and enforced
their order by pointing large pistols directly at us.
This M-as a cold welcome to returning prisoners. But
all communication between Detroit and Canada had
been prohibited on account of the declaration of war,
and even flags of truce were not allowed. But I

BIOGRAPHY or MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 59

tliouglit that a canoe full of ivomcn and cldldren,
cari'} iiig a white flag was a small tiling to disturb the
valor oi:* my countrymen. On the wharf, a guard of
regulars, with thtir commanding officer. Availed to
receive us. The latter now hailed us and inquired v, ho
we were. I replied (with some spirit) ' that we were
officers' wives of the 4th regiment,' and we were imme-
diately permitted to land. The gentleman who had
escorted us in the boat vrith such disinterested polite-
ness I had promised should return without detention or
molestation. This I communiv-atcd to our commandino:
officer and added my hope that it might be fulfdled
without delay. He assured me that it should, and I
soon had the satisfaction of knowing that no harm had
come to the gentleman for liis kindness to us females
and strangers. Captain H., (the commanding officer
just alluded to,) then waited upon us to General H's
quarters, where we were most cordially received by his
daughter-in-law, the wife of Captain H. who was keep-
ing house for her father. The rest of the family, ex-
cepting this only son, were in Kew England. Witli
this lady I tarried while in Detroit, and received all the
attention and kindness which a refined mind and. gen-
erous heart could bestow. She had two dear little girls,
and the care which they required, together with their
pretty and endearing ways helped to relieve mucli of
the tediousness of our unpleasant situation. For from
this time the continual din of war caused us sleepless
nights and anxious days. Xo Sabbath and no sanctu-
ary privileges blest us v\ith their return. All days
were alike employed in preparation for brother to shed
his brother's blood. A war with Enadand seems most

60 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

unnatural — 'tis like a family taking up arms against
its own. But if we arc forced to do it our cause is just.
And I trust that the same kind Providence who fought
for us in the llevolution will still succor and protect
this highly favored people. I know that our friends
at the east will be very anxious on our behalf.

''July Itli. The army has just arrived in good
health and spirits. I had a delightful ride with my
liusband on the bank of the river above Detroit. This
is a beautiful part of the country. There are good
gardens in the village, and fine farms in the vicinity.

'^ July V2tli. Geuoral H. crossed with his troops to
Sandwich, opposite Detroit, and took peaceable possess-
ion. The inhabitants either quitted the place or
stopped under American jurisdiction.

" August TtJi. Some parties of our troops have had
several skirmishes with the British and Indians. An
English officer, but dressed and painted like the Indians,
led them on to battle. I am surprised that a ivhite
man of any refinement could do such a thing. After
one of the fights, the English suffered the Indians to
take the scalp of a Yankee soldier, and carry it twelve
miles for the purpose of showing it to Lieutenant

G . He was still where we left him with his wife

confined on board the prison-ship at Maiden. This
exhibition of Indian cruelty was made to him in the
most insulting manner. This license so stimulated the
Indians, that it was found necessary to move the prison-
ship out some distance in the stream to prevent them

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 61

from firing into lier. They did fire once, "but happily
injured no one. Poor Mrs. G must he very un-
pleasantly situated — so closely confined, no female com-
panion to speak to, and in constant terror. A detach-
ment of troops have gone to Brownstown and my hus-
band among them. We have heard that an engage-
ment has commenced between them and the Enjxlish.
The thought is almost too much to hear that my be-
loved husband may be already among the slain.

*' Qtli. We have just heard that our troops have
been victorious, and that no oflftcer was killed, and only
one wounded. Colonel Miller commanded. My dear
Josiah has returned in safety.

'^August 12th. Our troops have vacated Sandvnch,
and returned to Detroit. Since then the enemy have
been very busy building, as we suppose, a battery upon
the opposite shore. The ends project beyond a large
dwelling which conceals them while they work. At
night we can hear them throw their cannon-balls, from
a boat on to the lane

^^ August lotli. One of our physicians. Dr. Foster, is
very dangerously sick. He is a particular friend of
ours, a young man of unblemished morals, and possess-
ing a superior mind, highly cultivated. I have just
received a message from him requesting an interview
with all possible dispatch. I hastened to his room and
found him apparently near his end. ' Mrs. Bacon,'
said he, ' I have sent for you to converse with me about
dying. My male friends are not willing to talk with
6

62 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

me on tins subject. But I believe you to be a rational
woman, and trust you Avill not object to hear me.' I
assured bim tbat it would give me great pleasure, if I
could do any thing to comfort him. He then told me
of his conviction that death was near at hand. His
disease, he said, was hereditary ; his mother and several
members of their family had been taken away with it.
He thought he should die ere tomorrow's sun should
sink in the west, as there was an abscess nearly formed,
which, in breaking, must inevitably terminate his life.
He expressed his thankfulness that his precious mother,
whom he had greatly loved, had preceded him, and was
not left to mourn his departure. I was astonished at
his calmness, for I knew that he was not a follower of
the meek and lowly Jesus. But I soon found that he
w^as perfectly confident of his acceptance with God upon
the score of his oivn merits. He acknowledged no
Saviour, and felt that he needed none — his own righte-
ousness was all-sufficient. I knew, I felt that he was
altogether wrong, that he was building on the sand,
but I knew not what to do or say. I was so struck
with surprise at finding him so near his end, and so
filled with horror at the thought of his unpreparedness
that I was overwhelmed, and almost lost the power of
utterance. I felt, too, my own utter incompetency to
direct him aright, and I left him without one endeavor
to convince him of his error. I fear I was greatly
culpable. My feelings on leaving him were indescriba-
bly painful, inasmuch as after his explanation of the
character and progress of his disease I could not indulge
the hope that he would survive many hours. His
impressions and my forebodings were too true, for alas,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 63

he died tlie next day at noon. He was interred among
strangers, witli military honors, much heloved and
respected by surviving friends.'^

Often in after years, did Mrs. Bacon recur to this
scene, and never without feelings of grief and contri-
tion. When relating it in the hearing of the writer,
during the last year of her own life, she said, *' I almost
feel as if the blood of that man's soul will be found in
my skirts. I knew that he was building upon a sandy
foundation, and I ought to have warned him of his
danger, and exhorted him to flee to the only refuge.
But the very imminency of his peril stupefied me, and
a bitter conviction of my own inconsistency in neglect-
in 2: that Saviour whom I now saw so essential to the
salvation of a dying sinner, tied my tongue. I left
him, feeling that his harvest was past, his summer
ended, and he not saved. But I do not think I ever
fors-ot the lesson which I there learned. It followed
me through many an after scene, often whispering in
my ear, ' Sinner, come !^ And I do not think the
impression of that unblest death ever wholly left me
until I was brought to .make that Saviour mine, who
alone can safely guide through ' the dark valley.'
Now I never see the sick and dying without making
earnest efforts to lead them (if they are not Christians)
to place their feet upon the rock — Christ Jesus. But
oh, that haunting thought, I cannot undo the past. I
can only pray. Lord, forgive." All this was said with
the deepest emotion, her eyes overflowing with tears of
regret and sorrow. But we will resume the journal of
Mrs. B. whose next date is that of " Auo-ust 14th."

64 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

" While a prisoner among the English, at Maiden, I
was much mortified to hear one of their officers say,
' The New England States will not take up arms
against his majesty. For you have federal governors,
and nothing would delight them more than disunion.'
He had imbibed this idea by reading so many strong
party pieces in our eastern newspapers. Though I felt
that his conclusions were wrong, yet I was both sorry
and ashamed that the rancor of political and party
differences should give any color to such an assertion.
I know, however, that those vile productions are not the
sentiments of the majority of the people. Disunion
cannot be seriously entertained by those who worked
first and longest to achieve our independence. : Oh, may
the bright flame of patriotism, which glowed in the
breasts of our Washington and his compatriot's fire the
hearts of their descendants. And whilQ one drop of
blood runs in the veins of Americans, may they.remem-
ber the dying injunction of the father of his country,
that they should ' unitedli/ maintain that independence
which (under heaven) their fathers so gloridudy oh"
tained,'

" August 15th. A summons has been sent to-day,
from General Brock (the British commander in Canada,)
to General Hull, demanding the surrender of Detroit
and the army to the English ! This our general has
not seen fit to comply with. Every preparation is now
making for a bombardment. The British soldiers are
very busy in pulling down the large house which con-
ceals the battery which they have been so industriously
constructing. If I were not 'so terrified at the idea of

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 65

a siege, I could laugli to sec tlicir Imrrj. Never did a
building come down faster in a raging fire than in the
hands of these bloodthirsty fellows. The women and
children are to go into the fort as the only placa of secu-
rity against the savage Indians, and the bombs, shells,
and shot of the English. The officers who came with
the summons have left us to return, and as soon as
they arrive upon the opposite shore, the firing will
commence. So I must lay aside my pen and escape to
the place of safety, not know^ing wdiat shall befall me.

''August Idth, 1812. Amid the horrors of war I
have not been able to compose myself sufficiently to
write. But now that the carnao:e has ceased for the
present, and as prisoners we are quietly seated in his
Britannic Majesty's ship, the Queen Charlotte, I will
endeavor, my dear mother, to give you some account of
the very thrilling scenes through which we have lately
passed. While the bearers of General Brock's sum-
mons to surrender were returning with General Hull's

refusal to their demand, I took Mrs. H 's eldest girl

by the hand and fled to the fort. This was some
distance from our house, but I assure you I did not
loiter by the way. When I arrived, I found most had
preceded me. It was not long ere the cannonade
commenced on both sides. The firing was continued till
midnight without intermission. As nothing had then
been eftected it was discontinued, and we were glad to
breathe and take some refreshment. As many of the
females and children had not been able to eat during
the day, I concluded to make some tea. So we partook
of our supper, — or breakfast I might as well have
6*

66 BIOGRAPHY OF MES. LYDIA B. BACOIT.

called it, it being past one o'clock A. M. — and tlien we

endeavored to get some sleep, Capt. S , an officer

in the company, had two days previously to the

commencement of hostilities married a sweet little girl
of fourteen years ! She was with us, having under her
care a little nephew, a child five years old. The two
hand in hand, like the * Babes in the Wood,' cried them-
selves to sleep. But in vain I tried to court the drowsy
god ; anxiety for the future drove sleep effectually from
my eyes. Many others found slumber as difficult to be
obtained as myself. It was a night never to be for-
gotten.

"Soon as the morning of the 16th arose the cannon
commenced to roar with apparently tenfold fury ; and
alas ! it did not continue long without doing execution.
The enemy's bombs and shot began to enter the fort.
Some of the ladies were employed in making cylinders,
viz : bags to hold powder for the cannon. Othei^ were
scraping lint, that it might be ready in case of necessity,
to dress the wounds of the injured soldiers. While
thus engaged, a twenty-four pound shot entered the
room next to wliere we were sitting. Two officers who
were standing in the room were cut entirely in two,
their bowels gushing out as they fell. The same ball,
after doing such horrid execution, passed through the
wall into another room where a number of persons were
standing. Here it took off both the legs of one man,
and sliced the flesh off the thigh of another. The man
who lost both his legs died very soon. Thus one of these
angry messengers killed three men and wounded a
fourth in a moment of time.

'* One of the gentlemen who was killed, was a captain

BIOGRAPHY OF MKS. LYDIA B. BACON. 67

of the regulars, who had heen previously taken prisoner
and released upon parole. He was now in the fort /or
safety, not being allowed to take up arms until he was
exchanged. But death met him where he least expected
it. Soon after this another hall of equal size entered
the hospital room. A poor fellow who lay sick upon
his hed, and was asleep, had his head instantly severed
from his body ; and his attendant was killed by the
same blow, the shot striking him in his breast. The
enemy had got the range of the fort so completely that
it was now judged unsafe for the women and children
to remain any longer in it. So we were all hurried to
the root-house, which was on the opposite side of the
fort, and was bomb proof. Never shall I forget my
sensations as I crossed the parade ground to gain this
place of safety. You must recollect, dear mother, that
my feelings had been under constant excitement for
many weeks, and now were wrought up to the highest
pitch. Complain I ivould not, weep I could not ; but it
seemed as if my heart would burst. My hair stood
erect upon my head, (which in the hurry of escape was
uncovered,) as I raised my eyes and caught a glimpse
of the bombs, shells and balls which were flying in all
directions. The boy warrior, whose father was killed at
Tippecanoe, was running about upon the parapet exposed
to the fire of the enemy, and seemed as fearless as if in
sportive play. On going into the root-house I found it
nearly full of women and children. What a scene was
here presented ! One lady was so sick that she had to
be carried there on a bed. The wife of one of the officers
who was shot by that first ball which entered the fort
was, (as you may suppose,) in an agony of grief. ' Oh,

68 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

^Yllat haYG I done to deserve so severe a trial? what had
my poor husband done that he must die V were her con-
stant lamentations. Oh, thought I, tvliat have any of us
done to deserve any thing else ? In the midst of all this
sorrow and weeping, our child, too young to realize its
danger, was screaming at the top of its voice because
its attendant would not walk with it on the parapet ! A
thing which had been often done for its amusement
when it had been uneasy and fretful, and which it could
not be made to understand was unsafe and impracticable
now. Such a day of lamentation and weeping I never
witnessed before, and pray I may never again be called
to see. Only three or four of the whole number present
maintained the appearance of composure, and they felt
more than can be described. On looking from the door
of the root-house to the quarters opposite I saw a ball
knock down one of the chimneys, and was afterwards
told that the same shot killed a man who was on duty
upon the parapet the other side of the building. About
this time the enemy effected a landing on our side,
under cover of their armed vessels. Of these they had
a sufficiency to demolish Detroit if they chose, while we
had not a boat in order to carry a single gun. General
Brock's efiective force was also double ours, and the
Indians were now let loose on the inhabitants. In ad-
dition to this our supply of provisions and ammunition

was extremely small, and a part of General H 's

most efficient troops were at this juncture at some dis-
tance from Detroit, having been sent away on duty a
short time previous to the summons to surrender.
Under these circumstances General H., after consulta-
tion with Colonel Miller, thought it best to capitulate,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 69

and obtained tlic best terms be conld. A wbite flag
was accordingly displayed upon tbe parapet as a signal
for tbe cessation of bostilities. Immediately tbe cannon
ceased to roar, and all was still. General Brock tben
sent to ascertain for wbat purpose tbe wbite flag was
displayed, and learned tbe determination of General H.
to surrender. Our soldiers were tben marcbed on to
tlie parade ground in tbe fort, wbere tbey stacked tbeir
arms, wbicb wore tben delivered to tbe enemy. Tbe
American stars and stripes were tben lowered from tbe
flag-staff^ and replaced witb Englisb colors. A royal
salute was now fired witb tbe very cannon wbicb tbe
Americans bad taken from tbe Britisb in tbe Eevolu-
tionary war, and tbeir music played tbeir national tune,
'God save tbe King.' How sball I tellyou our grief
and mortification at tbis triumpb of. our foes. A
tbousand emotions struggled in my breast j too nmnerous
for utterance, too exquisitely painful to be described !
; " Tbe poor fellows" wbo were sbot in tbis contest were
all buried in one oTave. After tbe surrender tbose wbo
bad fled to tbe fort for safety returned to tbeir respective
abodes. Tbe little girl of wbom I bad cbarge at tbe
commencement of tbe siege was witb me until tbe
close. Wben sbe saw tbe fine uniform of tbe British
officers, after tbey bad taken possession, sbe expressed
great deligbt and admiration, pointing at tbem and ex-
claiming in broken language, (for sbe was too young to
speak plainly,) ' Pretty, pretty !' Poor cbild ! sbe little
realized wbat sorrow tbe transactions of tbat day caused
to ber family, ber friends and ber country.

^^ August idth. Tbe prisoners were put on board bis

70 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACON.

Majesty's vessels to-day. They are to be sent to
Niagara and from tliencc to Montreal, on tlieir way to
Qnebec. Tims a second time in the short space of six
weeks am I a prisoner. I fear I shall not be so easily
released this time, as my husband is with me ; and a man
is of more consequence to the enemy as a prisoner than
a woman. Whether my husband obtains a parole or
not, one thing is certain : I shall not leave him unless I
am compelled to. We were put on board the Queen
Charlotte, a fine armed vessel of three hundred tons.
In the same ship were General Hull and son, a number
of Fourth Ecgiment men, both oflficers and soldiers,
together with several public civil officers from Detroit.

There were only three ladies, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. S ,

the young bride of fourteen, and myself. Mrs. F. and
Mrs. S. staid on board our vessel, however, but one
night, we being so crowded, they were transferred the
next day to another. Thus I was left without a female
to speak to. But we were a merry set of prisoners that
first night. Our friends would have laughed heartily
had they seen us vrhen we laid ourselves dovrn to rest.
There was but one state-jvom in the cabin where the

prisoners were confined, and Mrs. F had taken

possession of that before Mrs. S and myself

arrived. Captain S v/as very much offended that

a state-room had not been provided for Ms beautiful
bride, to whom he had been married hardly a week.
And I must confess that I myself had been led to ex-
pect more from British officers, (whose politeness to
ladies is proverbial,) than that they should monopolize all
the state-rooms to their own use ! But as vre had been
accustomed for many months to make the best of every

BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. / 1

tiling wc tliouglit it good policy to do so now. So we
proceeded to arrange our beds as well as we could, con-
sulting comfort and propriety as mucli as our very

peculiar circumstances would permit. Capt. S put

his bed next tbe state-room where Capt. F and his

wife were sleeping, and himself occupied the side next
the door ; we put our bed next to his, myself lying next

to Mrs. S , and my husband the other side of me.

Thus we ladies were as well protected as possible. The
rest of the gentlemen occupied the remainder of the
floor. Although nothing but variety had been our lot
for many a month, yet I must confess that the unprece-
dented novelty of our present situation drove sleep most
effectually from my eyes, notwithstanding every thing
was quiet on board the ship but ourselves. The next

day Mrs. F and Mrs. S were placed in another

ship not so crowded as ours, and I succeeded to the ac-
commodations which the former had vacated. But this,
though very convenient, was hardly a recompense for
the loss of their society. I felt this loss the more, as
we were now wind bound for several days. And to add
to the tediousness of our situation, our fare was any
thing but good. One day at table a gentleman near
me remarked that if I could eat such bread as this,
(pointing to a biscuit which he held in his hand,) I was
a better soldier than himself. As he broke the bread
the hairs and sticks showed that the flour, at least, had
not been sifted. The next day I obtained leave to make
a huge apple pudding, which we all enjoyed very much
indeed. I met with quite a loss in going on board the
ship, which detracted very much from my enjoyment
and was quite a trial to my patience and submission.

72 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

I had made up a small bundle to take in my liand,
containing some work, with all my sewing apparatus, a
very liandsome pearl breast-pin, (the gift of brother

John B ,) and some money. As I was ascending

the side of the vessel from the boat which conveyed us
to it, I put my bundle into the hand of one of the
boatmen who was assisting me, and never saw man or
bundle again. This was a serious evil, as every cent
which we had with us was in it. A young British
officer learning my misfortune went on shore, purchased
needles, pins, scissors, thimble and thread, and presented
them to me. So my loss was partially made up through
the politeness of the enemy. We were fourteen days out
before we reached Buffalo. Eleven of these were spent
in waiting for a fair wind, and we were only three days
actually sailing across the lake. We landed at Fort
Erie, nearly opposite Buffalo, on the Canada side.
Here the British commanding officer gave General Hull
liberty to fill the carriage which had been provided for
him and his aid, (and which was the only one which
could be procured in the place,) as he pleased. My
husband had been acquainted with the General and I
had boarded in his family, which I suppose was the
reason why he offered ws the vacant seats in preference
to others. Officers of the line were obliged to be with
their men ; but as my husband's duties ceased when the
soldiers became prisoners, he could avail himself of the
comfortable conveyance which General Hull's politeness
placed within our reach. I afterwards learned that the
wives of other officers had a very uncomfortable time
getting to Newark, which was thirty-six miles below
Erie, having neither protectors or proper carriages in

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 73

which to ride. But we were seated with the General
and his aid, and guarded by officers of suitable rank on
horseback to prevent our escape. Two of them pre-
ceded us, two rode upon each side, and two followed us.
All of them rode as fast as their horses could be made
to go, and our carriage was obliged to keep up with
them. True, their horses were none of the best ; but
poor as they were, I think it was at the risk of our
necks, we were hurried along with such velocity. I pre-
sume the reason for this excessive speed was their fear
that we should get a view of their fortifications, which
were erected at short distances from Erie to Newark.
In descending Queenstown heights I expected that we
should be precipitated into the boiling waters below,
but a kind Providence saved us from such a catastrophe.
My head whirled as I endeavored to catch a view of
nature's wonders in this remarkable locality. We dined
at a hotel near the Falls of Niagara. These Falls, of
which I had long heard so much, I had a great desire
to see. Indeed, ever since we came west, my husband
and I have said whenever we spoke of our return, ' We
will see Niagara when we go home.' Now our wish could
perhaps be gratified ; but oh, how strangely different
from our anticipations. Still I did not feel disposed to
neglect the opportunity. So I preferred a request to
the officer in command, telling him that * though a
prisoner, I trusted I might be permitted to visit the
Falls.' He very pleasantly answered me in the affir-
mative, and immediately after dinner sent a guard to
escort us thither. We were astonished and delighted
with this stupendous and sublime work of Nature, or
rather I should say of Nature's God. But we were
7

74 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

allowed only a short time for our stay, as it was
necessary to reacli our destined stop^^ing place that
afternoon. In conversing with the gentlemen who
formed our escort, we found that they w^ere well
acquainted with Lieutenant Goodale and wife, whom I
had left on hoard the prison ship at Maiden. They ex-
pressed their admiration of Mrs. G , who was in

truth a lovely woman. We were then informed that
she and her hushand had heen sent to Montreal a short
time previous to this, and on their way had stopped at
Newark, (the place to which we were now bound,) for

some weeks. Here Lieut. G was placed in close

confinement because he had spoken of his Majesty, King
George, in terms which were offensive to the ears of his
loyal subjects. [I wonder if our polite informers re-
peated this as a wholesome caution to us.] I afterwards

learned from Mrs. G herself that she was treated

with much polite attention during her stay at Newark,
by the British officers and their wives, and found the
ladies very pleasant and refined.

" We resumed our seats in the carriage after our
return from the Falls, and at five in the afternoon we
arrived at Newark. This is a very pleasant village
directly opposite Fort Niagara. Here we found good
quarters, and soon discovered that they were the very

rooms which were occupied by Lieut. G and wife ere

he was ordered into closer confinement. It was quite a
pleasure to me to find their names traced upon the wall.
But we were not detained at Newark long. Very
providentially for us Gen. Brock Avas at this place, on
his way to Montreal. At General Hull's request he
gave my husband his parole because his wife zvas with

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. /

him. So WO were once more free. Before tlie other
officers A\lio desired the same privilege arrived, General
Brock had left, and they were obliged to proceed to
^lontreal. There those only ivlio were onarried and ae-
companied hy their ivivcs were also liberated. This
greatly provoked the officers who were bachelors, and
made them very desirous of such an addition to their
welfare. All the prisoners v»dio were carried to Mon-
treal were marched through the streets there and around
Nelson^s monument to the tune of Yankee Doodle, be-
fore they were alloAved to put up for the night. An
insulting display of triumph tliis, and worthy of a ruder
age and a more barbarous people !

*' My dear Josiah having received his parole vras most
anxious to depart. Accordingly the next day we left
King George's dominions w^ith heartfelt joy. We had
hut tiventy-jive cents ivith ivhich to travel five hundred
miles, the troops not having received any pay for a long
time. The communication with Detroit being so
hazardous the money had not been sent. All the cash
we had when taken prisoners was tied up in the bundle
which I lost when climbing into the ' Queen Charlotte.'
But our poverty did not dishearten us, so delighted were
we with the hope of being once more in our own country.
The river which divides Newark from Niagara is there
quite narrow, and in a few moments we were safely
landed in our beloved United States. We breathed a
mental hurra! and imagined our respiration freer. Oh,
liberty ! country ! home ! ye are magic words, and dear
to every uncorrupted human heart !

" We went immediately to the fort, escorted by our
brother officers, who saw our boat approaching and

76 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

came to the wharf to receive us. The stone building
in this fort was erected by the French more than a
century ago. It is situated directly on the bank of
Lake bntario, the distance between the building and
the water hardly admitting a foot-path in its rear. Its
high windows, its lofty and massive walls, its strong
doors and broad, solid staircase all denote the purpose
for which it was built.

" After dinner we walked by invitation to the house
of Dr. West. He was a physician in the army, but had
purchased a beautiful farm on the lake, where his family
resided. This family consisted of a wife, a sister and
several children. We passed through some woods near
the fort, and the recollection that those woods had been
consecrated by the prayers of the sainted Isabella
Graham, (a name which I feel unworthy even to repeat,)
made them peculiarly interesting. I had now been for
so long a time unaccustomed to walking, that in going
only a mile and a half my feet became sadly blistered.
With joy I hailed the appearance through the trees of
the house where I was to rest for the night. We were
received with great hospitality by .the doctor's family,
who manifested their interest in us by every attention
to our comfort and happiness. Once more admitted to
a pleasant domestic circle, we for a season almost forgot
the perils through which we had passed, and felt that there

was something yet to enjoy. Miss W , when I

retired for the night, followed me to my room, and with
great kindness insisted upon bathing my blistered feet-
Nor did all tlie objections which I could raise dissuade
her from her benevolent purpose. Surely an obligation
is laid upon me, if upon any one, to remember the

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 77

stranger, for as a stranger I have experienced a thousand
kindnesses which I can never forget. We were much
refreshed and invigorated by our sliort stay with this
excellent family. But being naturally most anxious to
see our dear parents and relatives, we proceeded the next
day on our journey towards dear New England. My
husband had obtained funds for this purpose from the
paymaster at Niagara. At this time the stage coacli
did not run farther than Buffalo, which was about
thirt^^-six miles from Niagara. So we hired a cart,
which was the best vehicle the times afforded. In this
we put our trunk, and spreading a mattress over it
made us as comfortable a seat as circumstances would
allow. But the roads were dreadful, being most of the
way made of logs slightly covered with earth. We
bore the jolting until our limbs vrere almost dislocated,
and then resorted to walking as a relief. But fearing
to blister my feet again, which were still very tender, I
soon returned to our miserable conveyance. Thus we
journeyed until about nine in the evening, when we
arrived at a tavern, the only one within our reach, and
only a few rods from the Falls of Niagara. We had
come but eighteen miles this long and tedious day.
Besides the badness of the roads we were frequently
interrupted by officers stationed along the route who
wished to learn from my husband the particulars of the
surrender, which they had only imperfectly heard.
This detained us very much. Wearied exceedingly with
our hard day's travel we thought wo should gladly avail
ourselves of any shelter for the night, however mean.
Upon entering the house I was immediately struck with
the absence of every thing that could be called com-

78 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

fortable and feared that we liad not exchanged our
situation for the better ; and so it proved. The only
female whom we could see, prepared us a miserable
supper, consisting of raw sliced onions with bread and
butter. The onions she cut first, then the butter,
and then the bread. All this was performed with one
knife, which she was not guilty of wiping. After
trying in vain to eat of this untidy repast, we sat in
silence until I was ready to drop with very weariness,
and yet was fearful to look at our accommodations for
sleeping. While waiting for our supper we heard a
groan, and inquiring the cause, were told that it
proceeded from a young soldier who lay sick in the house
with camp fever. When exhaustion obliged me to
retire, we were shown up a ladder through the room
where the poor young man lay. He appeared to be
about eighteen years old. He was very ill indeed, and
looked as if he must soon die. The head of his bed
was close to the door of the next room, which we were
to occupy, and this door being unhinged excluded
neither sight nor sound. The only ventilation for the
apartment was a small window consisting of six panes
of glass mostly broken. Through this the full moon
shone with uncommon brilliancy, and served to render
visible the extreme filth within. The room contained
two beds, and owing to its small size these came nearly
in contact with each other. In one of them lay a
traveler, already asleep and all unconscious of the weal
or woe that surrounded him. The other bed was re-
served for us, but was so extremely disorderly and
unclean that all my senses revolted from the use of it.
I implored my husband to leave, preferring to stay out

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 79

doors, any where, rather than pass the night in such a
place as this. It was worse than any thing v^hich I had
been called to endure in the whole campaign. My
sujfferings I suppose were much increased by my having
rode and slept so much in the open air for the last few
months. It was the contrast which made the dirt and
confinement appear so terrific. But my husband with
his prevailing desire to make the best of every thing,
persuaded me to stay. Of course we did not undress ;
but spreading our handkerchiefs upon the pillows lay
upon the outside of the bod until morning. In addition
to the discomforts already mentioned innumerable
vermin began to prey upon our wearied bodies with un-
exampled voraciousness. Add to these the piercing
groans and foetid breath of the dying man, and the
thundering of the mighty cataract, (which would of
itself have banished sleep,) and you have some faint
idea of the dreadful night vre passed. But no language
can adequately describe the scene. . As soon as the day
dawned we left, and as we passed through the next
room we saw the poor young soldier gasping his
last breath. A person near his own age, perhaps
a brother, was kindly tending him. Fearing lest we
had already imbibed this malignant disease we asked
no questions, but hasted away. While the man who
drove us was attending to his horse and making
preparations for our departure, we paid another brief
visit to the Falls and bade them adieu. Eeturning, we
took possession once more of our yesterday^ s coach and
proceeded on our way. But we met with the same
interruptions as on the day previous : Josiah having to
answer innumerable questions at every place through

80 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

wliicli we passed respecting the surrender. Some of
these queries amused us, and some exceedingly provoked
us. It rained also during a part of tlie day, and
our only shelter was an umbrella, wliicli prevented us
from being wet to the skin. At six in the evening we
arrived at Batavia, where a good night's rest at an ex-
cellent house refreshed us beyond measure, and prepared
us for taking the stage the next morning with much
comfort. The coach w\^s easy, the roads were fine, and,
what was still more delightful, we found agreeable
companions. There was an onicer in the American
service, a most intelligent and interesting man. There
were two gentlemen belonging to New York city and
on their way thither. Under their care was a lady with
her two children and servants. She had left her
father's in New York to join her husband at Detroit.
But at Buffalo she heard of the surrender, and not
knowing Y\^here to find her husband, who was now a
prisoner in the hands of the English, she was obliged
to retrace her steps, and return with her little family
to lier father's house. She was disappointed of course
in her expectations ; but the hope of her husband's
speedy liberation and re-union with her in New York
inspired her with courage and cheerfulness. Our fellow
travelers all proved to be very sociable and interesting.
Their minds were highly cultivated, and their manners
pleasing and reiined. Some of them had been great
travelers, and were apt at communicating the pleasures
which they had enjoyed. Mr. Bacon and myself v/ere
so exhilarated with the prospect of returning to our
home and our friends that we were in just the frame of
mind to enjoy such society and conversation. Oh,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 81

youtli ! liow ricli and varied arc thy treasures ! how
"bright thy dreams of future good ! The first uight
after leaving Batavia we spent at a very excellent hotel,
which, however, was very much crowded, though large
and commodious. We were obliged to share our room
with our friend the officer, as it contained two beds.
But we slept vrell and were refreshed by a most excel-
lent breakfast, after which we again pursued our way.
We passed through several pretty villages, Canandaigua,
Skeneateles, Auburn, Geneva and others. AVe also
crossed lakes and rivers, with which that part of New
York State abounds, and admired the beautiful scenery
which we had never before seen. Surely all these
charming creations of Almighty power ought to lead
our minds to their Divine Author, who has made all
things for himself and nothing in vain. We arrived
at Utica, a delightful village on the banks of the
Mohawk. This pretty river only a few years since
wafted the light canoes of the aborigines upon its
bosom, and their rude wigwams adorned its banks.
But now how changed. Beautiful farms charm the
eye of the traveler with the glories of rich cultivation,
and stately mansions are rising upon the romantic
slopes which look down in grandeur upon the sparkling
waters.

" We put up for the night at ' Baggs' Hotel.' This
house is renowned for the elegance of its accommoda-
tions, as is its proprietor for his suavity of manners and
pleasing attentions to all those who are so fortunate as
to make this their resting-place. Eefreshing repose
and a bountiful table prepared us anew to enjoy the
scenery which met our eye as we traveled on, as well as

82 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

the interesting remarks of our traveling companions.
We soon arrived at Albany, congratulating ourselves
that our journey thus far had been safely, and for the
most part agreeably performed. But here we must
separate from our fellow-travelers whom we had come
to regard as friends, and part with no expectation of
ever meeting them again. So ifc is — the sadness of
loartings must always, sooner or later, succeed to the
joy of meeting ! And are our social tastes and instincts
which find so much pleasure in their cultivation, and
experience so much pain in deprivation, are these to
perish and be annihilated when our bodies return to
their native dust ? Believe it who can. For my own
part I have an inborn consciousness, a feeling implanted,
I am sure, by my Creator, that my thinking, reasoning
soul, so full of susceptibilities, so endued with energies
is, must he immortal,

* Else whence this pleasmg hojDe, this fond de&he,
This longing after immortahty ?
Or whence this secret dread, this inward horror
Of falling into nought ? Why shrinks the soul
Back on herself and startles at destruction ?
'Tis the divinity that stii's within us ;
'Tis Heaven itself that points out to an hereafter,

And intimates eternity to man.

*******

The sold, secured in her existence, smiles
At the drawn dagger, and defies its point.
The stars shall fade away, the sun himself
Grow dim "snth age, and nature sink m years ;
But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth ;
Unhurt amid the war of elements,
The ^^Teck of matter and the crush of worlds.'

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA 13. RACOX. 83

" But I iinist turn from Addison, and from the
friends witli wliom I parted, to anticipate the joy of
meeting the friends to whom we were hastening, and
from whom we liave heen separated these seventeen
months. Two days more of travel, and we should
behold them. The thought was pleasaiit indeed. We
found, however, on inquiry, that if we continue directly
on towards Boston, we should be compelled to stay over
the Sabbath in Northampton. This we did not like to
do, and t-ierefore concluded to remain in Albany till
Monday. For husband had been informed that Gen-
eral Dearborn was at the military depot near Albany,
and with him were a number of officers whom Josiah
very much vrished to see. Saturday morning we slept
until past the regular breakfast hour, and when we
arose our breakfast was sent into the parlor where we
were sitting. While partaking of it, a Quaker lady of
very pleasing aspect, who sat by the window, informed us
(as a piece of important nev»s) * that the evening previ-
ous an officer and Ms lady had arrived direct!// from
Detroit, where they had been taken prisoners by Gen-
eral Brock.' Finding that we did not manifest any
surprise at the intelligence, and perhaps guessing some-
thin o* from the silent smile and mutual sio;nificance
with which vre heard it, slie soon contrived to draw from
us the acknowledgment that we v^^ere the hero and
heroine of her tale. She expressed great pleasure at
meeting us, and made many inquiries respecting the
transaction which had caused such commotion through-
out the country. Her views upon the subject of war in
general, did not very materially differ from my own.
We both deplored it as an evil, all hough I would fain

84 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

have trouglit lier to admit that it was sometimes a
necessary evil. I believe she did go so far as to say
* that if ever war was excusable, it was a war of defence.^

" As soon as it was known that my husband was at
Albany, a number of military men called upon him,
and he was diligently employed in answering the innu-
merable questions which each new comer felt eager to
ask. For since the days of Mother Eve, curiosity has
been a prevailing foible of our common humanity. In
the evening, the stage arrived from Saratoga Springs.
A lady and gentleman alighting from it, came into the
parlor where we sat. I soon recognizedt them as
Lawyer Thurston and wife, whom I had often met
before my marriage, at my aunt Smith's. Mrs. "Thurs-
ton was an intimate friend of my aunt, and associated
with her as managers of the Female Orphan Asylum.
I longed to speak to her, but being younger, I waited
to see if she would recollect me, and it was not lono;
before I found that she remembered me perfectly. She
and her husband manifested much interest in us, and
we passed tlie Sabbath very pleasantly together. For
the first time in many long months, we enjoyed the
means of grace and went to the sanctuary with none to
molest or make us afraid. More sweet and solemn
than ever before seemed the worship of God in his
earthly temple. I trust I felt to join with some sin-
cerity in the praise of Him who had so wonderfully
preserved me and mine.

" Monday morning, we set forward toward our be-
loved home, cheered with the prospect of soon seeing
our dear friends. Mr. and Mrs. Thurston took seats in
the stage with us, and I was gratified with such agree-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 85

able and excellent fellow travelers. We have been
generally most fortunate in meeting good company
wherever our lot has been cast. I consider this a
special blessing, fur disagreeable traveling companions
from wliom one cannot escape, are at once a nuisance
and a torment. We bad a great deal of pleasant and
interesting conversation which made the day seem very
short, although we did not reach Northampton — our
next stopping-place — until ten o^clock at night. Here
a good supper and an excellent bed refreshed and
invigorated us, and in the morning vre pursued our
journey with all the eagerness and intensity of feeling
which our situation was calculated to produce. We
went on very rapidly and pleasantly until about eleven
in the mornino; when our stao'e coach hrohe doivn. This
I suppose, was the concealed thorn lurking in i\\Q rose
of our delight. But we were none of us hurt, and with
thankful hearts, we took our seats in an open wagon,
which carried us to the point where our stage was to
exchange. Here a convenient carriage awaited us, and
without farther delay we proceeded to Boston, where we
arrived at ten in the evening, and were received by my
dear mother and sisters with open arms and a shout of
joy."_

It is to be regretted that Mrs. Bacon's journal ends
here. . Had she continued the practice of recording the
daily incidents of her life, and the scenes whicli passed
before her observant eye, together with the thoughts
and feelings which these elicited, a manuscript of rare
interest would have been penned. For two or three
years after their return from their western campaign,
Mrs. Bacon and her husband remained in Boston,
8

86 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^^.

enjoying tlie society of clear friends and kindred. In
the latter part of tlie year 1815 they removed to
Sackett's Harbor, New York, where Mr. B. engaged in
trade as a commission merchant. A military depot
called Fort Madison being here established, our friends
had the satisfaction of finding among the officers some
of the friends with whom they had been associated
during the war. They also made many new and most
agreeable acquaintances, and here Mrs. Bacon con-
tracted the warmest and most tender friendships of her
life. Aside from family ties and the connections of
kindred, the attachments which were formed at Sackett's
Harbor proved the most delightful, and the most last-
ing. Yery soon after their arrival there, Mr. and Mrs.
B. became interested in the subject of personal religion,
though some time elapsed ere they became decided
Christians and confessed Christ before men. Years
afterward, one who knew them well in speaking of
Mr. B's public profession of faith in a crucified Ee-
deemer says, " When that position was taken, it was
taken never to he surrendered. Under an earthly com-
mander he had practiced obedience, where to obey cost
great peril. Surely he was not the man to shrink
from duty, or fly from danger wlien the great captain
of our salvation laid his claims upon him. During
most of the time of his residence at Sackett's, he was an
active member of the Presbyterian church there, and a
part of the time a faithful and efficient elder." Mrs.
Bacon's efi'orts there were very early directed to the
formation of a Sabbath school. In this good work she
enlisted with youthful ardor, and the enthusiasm of her
earnest and benevolent nature. A small but most

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 87

interesting scliool was established, and with a few kin-
dred spirits, Mrs. Bacon became a Sahhath school
teacher. A friend, in speaking of her labors and efforts
there, remarks, *' For many years she was the head and
prime supporter of Sackett's Harbor Sabbath school.
Once, owing to deaths, and removals, and a general
declension in religious feeling it seemed impossible to
procure a single teacher, and the cry was ' our enter-
prise must be given up.' ' No,' was the response of
Mrs. Bacon, ' I shall teach alone first.' This she did,
until her spirit and example had such an effect that
others came in, the work of the Lord was revived, and
after that, there was no lack of instructors." Much
pains has been taken to ascertain particulars with
respect to Mrs. Bacon's conversion. It doubtless oc-
curred as before stated, soon after her residence at
Sackett's Harbor, as it is known that some time
elapsed after she indulged the trembling hope that she
was a child of God before she took upon herself the
vows of the covenant. The record of the S. H. church
gives the date of her admission as May, 1820. And a
friend writing from that place says of her, " She has
many times been heard to remark that she had no
consciousness of any sudden or remarlcahle change, as is
the case with many. With her, the work appeared to
be a gradual one, until the time that she fully decided
to come out from the world and be upon the Lord's
side. It may seem strange to some that a lady so
enthusiastic as Mrs. B. should have no more marked
religious experience. But one thing is certain. None
who knew her, or were acquainted with her labors of
love, and her indefatigable perseverance in overcoming

88 ciOGHArnY of mrs. lydl\ b. baco^.

every obstacle to promote the conversion of others
can for a moment doubt that she herself was a rich
partaker of the grace of Christ/' Another friend
at the Harbor says, " 3Iy memory is stored with
such a variety of scenes and circumstances connected
with Mrs. B's Christian exertions while here that it
would of itself make a volume. But these, after all,
are only such as we read and hear of every day — deeds
of kindness to the poor and degraded, bringing them
into the Sabbath school, feeding the hungry, clothing
the naked, instructing the ignorant — such deeds as
claim the promise of our Saviour : ' Inasmuch as ye
did it unto one of the least of these ye did it unto
me.' ''

From one of Mrs. Bacon's beloved Sabbath scholars
at Sackett's, who is now the wife of an esteemed min-
ister, a letter has been received, from which the follow-
ing extract is taken. *' Among my very earliest recol-
lections are the efforts which Mrs. B. made for the little
ones of the Sabbath school. She won us to the Saviour
by her own warm-hearted love to him and her tearful
earnestness in the matter of our salvation. Well do I
remember her instructions, and her unwearied exer-
tions to make us understand and love the Scriptures.
She tried to persuade us to love Christ and do good in
imitation of his divine example. She made us believe
that as baptized children of the church and Sabbath
school children we ouo-ht not to live as the children of
the world lived. She taught us that we were not
cyphers but responsible beings, and capable of honor-
ing Christ though we were the little ones of the flock.
She interested herself in all our little affairs, temporal

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA C. BACON. 89

as well as spiritual, and won us to love lier by lier
evident interest in our welfare. Had we any childish
disj^utes to settle, any problem of duty or any little
doubts to solve she was our mediator and arbiter. And
perhaps nothing would bring a recreant child to duty,
or quell the turbulent, so quickly and quietly as the
threat of a playmate ' to tell Auntie Bacon.' Nothing
gave me more pleasure than to receive permission from
my mother to visit her, with a bunch of flowers or some
little gift. Perfectly charmed, I would sit and listen
to every word which dropped from her lips, watching,
meanwhile, her busy fingers which plied the needle
with as much ease and grace as she conversed, llany
a time have I returned home, and taking my patch-
work, seated myself beside my mother, in the humble
endeavor to imitate the industry of my beloved teacher.
When she taught by precept, she did it in so gentle and
easy a manner, that it appeared to be less her object to
instruct than to interest. Yet her words left an im-
pression on the mind and heart not easily effaced. Her
heart vras right with God ; and ' out of the abundance
of the heart' she spake. She thus commanded the
respect of all, and could converse any where and at all
times on religious subjects with great ease. She never
feared to rebuke sin in high or low places, but always
with so much kindness and Christian love as not to give
offence. She was once invited to a social gathering
among the officers of the navy-yard and their wives.
At the close of the entertainment a dance was got up.
Mrs. Bacon not only declined a participation in this
gayety, but reproved a professing Christian present for
eno-ao-ins: in it. This she did with such wisdom and

o o — iD

90 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

meekness as not onlj carried conviction to the mind of
tlic inconsistent disciple, and induced lier to abandon
the practice, hut won her heart to her faithful monitor.
Mrs. Bacon's constant aim was to do good at all times ;
in her house, by the way, in the social circle, every-
where her words distilled as the dew. But she taught
still more by her example. Who among the living has
done so much in this way ? In the sewing circle, in
the female prayer-meeting, in the conference room, the
sanctuary, and the Sabbath school, her presence and
demeanor was most exemplary. Indeed, so constant
was her attendance, that if she ever failed to be present,
we invariably went to see if she was sick.

'' The little white cottage in which she lived at Sack-
ett's, how lovely it was. Embowered in roses and
honeysuckles, and every inch of ground around it in
the highest state of cultivation. How sweet were the
moments spent there with this best and dearest of
friends V^ The remainder of Mrs. Bacon's history will
be gathered almost wholly from her correspondence.

The letters of Mrs. Bacon, although written without
the remotest idea of publicity, are, I think, all that
could be desired for insertion in this brief memorial.
For it is the simple record of one's daily life, thoughts,
and feelings which most deeply interests us when
studying an individual history. And surely these
unstudied epistles to her kindred and friends so minute,
so full, so tender, kind, and solemn, bring the writer
before us as she tvas. As w^e read them, we feel a sym-
pathetic share in her joys and sorrows, and almost
identify ourselves with the different scenes and events
in which she was an actor and a participant. I only

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 91

regret tliat I have not more of these letters to copy. A
large number whicli were written to lier mother during
some of the most interesting periods of Mrs. Bacon's
life were, after the decease of that beloved and venera-
ble relative, restored to Mrs. B., and by her committed
to the flames. She had held a most interesting corres-
pondence with a friend at the Sandwich Islands, but
the distance, and the length of time which must inter-
vene before they could be received, coupled with the
uncertainty whether they had been preserved, seemed to
render it inexpedient to wait for them. With regard
to the arrangement of the letters which follow, as far
as it respects priority of date or location, entire exact-
ness is not pretended. They are for the most part
given as they seemed most naturally to come.
The first is to her mother, and is dated

" SacJcett's Earhor, Sept 22d, 1824.
" My dear Mother : — T is to start for Boston to-
morrow, and I cannot let so good an opportunity pass
without improving it by a letter to you. I was very

sorry to learn from A that your eyes are troubling

you so much. Not only do I regret this for your own
sake, but also for mine, as it deprives me of the pleasure
of receiving letters from your own hand. I cannot
urge you to write unless you can do it with ease to
yourself, and if I can contribute to your happiness by
writing to you it will be a pleasure to me to do it. I
hope you will take good care of your health and not
injure yourself. You have done your share of work,
and ought now to live at your ease. I do not mean
{dly, for I know you would not be happy, but do only

92 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

just wliat you please, and take care not to lolease to do
much. While dressing for dinner to-day, I thought
what a pleasure could I pass the afternoon with you and
my sisters ! But the thought savored of murmuring,
and so IcJiecJced it For what right have I to complain
when I knovf that my Heavenly Father has set the
bounds of my hahitation. May resignation to his
divine will mark all the thougJits of my heart as well as
the acts of my life. May I be enabled to fill up
life with usefulness, working while the day lasts, * for
the night cometh in which no man can work.' When
I look back upon the years of my pilgrimage, the ret-
rospect causes me many a pang of sorrow and regret.
So much time wasted, so many opportunities to gain
knowledge misimproved ; ' unprofitable servant ' is
wl-itten against every day of my life. But amidst all
this, what cause have I to praise God for his goodness
to me ; for health, and a disposition to wait on him in
his sanctuary ; for so many precious privileges ; for
faith to believe in his promises, and firm confidence that
he will order all things for my good. Oh, what a
Father we have ! My dear mother, with such a God
what have we to fear ? If we are his, nothing can harm
us. Lot us then hold fast this hope as an anchor to
the soul, and pray much that our faith fail not ; so
shall all the dispensations of his Providence be sanctified
to us v-'hethcr prosperous or adverse. I hope my dear
mother is enjoying the liglit of God's countenance, and
that her path shines brighter and brighter. In our
journey to the Heavenly Canaan we must advance or
retrograde, we cannot stand still.

" I have to lament that our church here is in a cold

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 93

state. There are none inquiring tlie way to Zion ; none
under conviction of tlieir sin and misery. Our Sabbath
and evening meetings are well attended by the impeni-
tent ; but as message after message is sounded in their
ears with no apparent impression, I sometimes think
they are gospel hardened. Judgments too are in our
midst, several very sudden deaths having recently

occurred. Two men in Mr. C 's employ vfere

drowned, another died of fever. Mrs. H has lost

her dear little daughter, just a year and a half old.
She was a beautiful child. She had been complaining
for some time, but no one thought her dangerous until
she was seized with fits and died in a few hours. To

add to this affliction, Mr. H was absent at the

time, and has not yet returned. But the bereaved
mother bears her trials with true 'Christian fortitude.
I think they have been peculiarly sanctified to her, and
when that is the case afflictions are certainly blessings.

Mrs. H esteems you much, dear mother, and often

inquires after you with aff'ection. Dear old Lady

B has just returned to this place with apparently as

good health as ever she enjoyed. She speaks often of
you, and inquires if you will not come here again. I
must tell you that the female prayer-meeting is held
at our house. It is attended by increasing numbers,
and we have some precious seasons of communion with
God and with each other. But I must close with love
to all the dear friends. When I write to you, dear
mother, I feel that I am addressing the rest, because I
know that they all read my letters. But, adieu.
Your aff'ectionate cliild,

Lydia B. Bacon.''

94 BICGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BAC02T.

This is the only letter extant written by our friend
during the fourteen or fifteen years of her residence at
the Harbor, xifter several years of prosperous busi-
ness there as a merchant, a season of great commercial
pressure affected the interests of Mr. Bacon most un-
favorably, and obliged him to abandon the situation
which had been so pleasant to himself and his dear
companion. But although stripped of all their re-
sources, and under considerable pecuniary liabilities,
they did not despond. As they would neither eat the
bread of idleness or dependence, they anxiously sought
a situation whore they might obtain an honest and
comfortable livelihood. This was found at Sandwich,
Mass., and thither they removed in 1829. " There for
twelve years,'^ says my informant, " Mr. Bacon identified
himself with the cause of Christ, superintending the
Sabbath school, leading or seconding every religious
enterprise, being a standard and a burden bearer during
his entire residence in that place. There he also held
civil oflaces of trust and responsibility, and was three
times sent to the General Court of this State as a
Eepresentative. Of Mrs. Bacon's active participation
in every good work her letters afford abundant evidence.

The first is to one of her dear Christian friends in
Sackett's Harbor, and is dated

" Sandwich, March 20tJi, 1830.
" Think not, my ever dear sister, because I have de-
layed writing you so long, or have written others before
you, that you are tJie less beloved. Oh, no ! Your
friendship has been one of the prominent sweets in the
mixture which has been my lot since my acquaintance

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 95

with you. I trust that the union of hearts found
amidst trials and difficulties, and the exalted commu-
nion of Christian intercourse will not be broken or in
the least degree weakened by our separation. Your
image, my loved Harriet, is often, very often with mo,
and your repeated kindnesses afford me a pleasing and
grateful retrospect. I cannot tell you how much I
think of my Sackett's Harbor friends. The blessed
news of a revival of religion among you, which was
communicated by your dear husband and confirmed by
our belovTd pastor, fills us with inexpressible delight.

" Oh, how can we ever doubt the great ' I Am,' or
despair of the conversion of any sinner, when we are
constantly experiencing the fulfillment of those promises
which are all ' Yea and amen in Christ Jesus.' Dear

H , do you not feel fresh courage to persevere in

the path of duty ? In imagination I hear the sound of
the neio hell, calling those vvho love the courts of the
Lord to mingle their prayers, praises and penitential
tears at his altar. For God delights in the sacrifice of
a humble and contrite spirit. I have fancied also that I
could see numbers flocking to that little school-house,
and with tearful earnestness inquiring ' what i\\Qj must
do to be saved.' Oh, that we may hear that the good
work is still progressing.

" I am more than ever convinced of the superior
religious privileges which have been for many years
enjoyed at the Harbor. "While in Boston, I heard sev-
eral of their most pungent preachers, such as Dr. B

and son, Mr. M , Mr. W , and Mr. P .

But I heard no preaching more faithful than that at
the Harbor. You have again, my dear H , been

Vb BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYMA B. BACOX.

called to mourn. Often lias tlie shaft of death entered
3'Oiir family, and though in the present instance 3'ou
were somewhat prepared, yet no doubt the loss of one
endeared by relationship, as well as by Christian and
social virtues, and who was of such importance to her
family must be severely felt. I had a great desire to
see her when I was at Northampton, and took a long
and fatiguing walk for that purpose. But her physi-
cian did not think an interview best, and this made me
fear she vras not as well as I had been led to believe.
Well, she is, I trust, at rest ; her trials and disappoint-
ments all are over, and she can nov/ see that the path
to her so thorny was all ordered in tender mercy by
Him who ' doth not afflict willingly, or grieve the chil-
dren of men.^ I sincerely hope that this bereavement
may be sanctified to her husband, and result in his
conversion. Then would he be more than ever qual-
ified to discharge the important duties which devolve
upon him in the double tie which now^ binds him to his
motherless children.

" Tell i/oi'j' dear mother that I enjoy now the society
of 7717/ dear mother. We are so near that we have con-
stant intercourse. She is very well and pleasantly
situated. My dear husband is also well, and is much
engaged in the Sabbath school here. Mr. B men-
tioned that Mrs. C is superintendent of the female

school at Sackett^s Harbor. I am happy to hear it, for
I think her well qualified for the situation. I learn
also that there is an increased attendance at the school
since the revival of religion. I ardently long to hear
that some of the dear cliildren have become subjects of
this work of grace. Are there any new teachers, and

BIOGKAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 97

do the old ones continue punctual and engaged? Ee-
mcmber me to botli teacliers and fcscliolars as you Jiave

opportunity. Tell Clarissa G that her gift has

been of great service to me, and will be kept with much
care as a memorial of the affectionate little Sabbath
scholar who presented it. I presume your female
prayer-meeting has increased in numbers since the
attention to religion. Ah ! I often think of that dear
little meeting and of the precious few who united their
prayers and praises at our Father's throne. We have
a similar meeting here. Our Sabbath school is not so
flourishing as yours. It has been sustained through
the winter for the first time in its history. They were
about dismissing it when we came, but we prevailed
upon them to continue it. They are now much pleased
that they have done so. We find enough to do here,
and I trust that we feel it a privilege thus to employ
the talent entrusted to us. I am sensible that I do my
duty very imperfectly, and I more than ever feel my
insufficiency for the responsibilities devolving upon me.
I try to look to him who has promised to be the strength
of all who put their trust in him. Remember me to

dear Mrs. B ; her trial has indeed been severe in

the loss of her eldest son. May God comfort her ! Do
not fail to remember me also to all who may inquire
for me. And now, dear H., write soon, and give me
full particulars respecting yourself and others. Noth-
ing that transpires at the Harbor will be uninteresting
to me. With many prayers that you and yours may
enjoy a continuance of every blessing and a heart to
appreciate them, I remain, in the strong bond of
Christian affection. Yours,

*' Lylia B. Bacon."

9

98 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^".

The following extract from a letter to the child of
her friend is given as a specimen of her regard for
children, and her affectionate endeavors to make them
happy. I think that I never knew a childless couple
to wdiom children were so uniformly attached as Capt.
and Mrs. Bacon. My own children both loved and
venerated them, and will never, I am sure, forget them.
The rare flowers which were sent me by Mrs. B. to
strew around the faded form of my darling Mattie in
her coffin, and the sweet plants which she gave my
remaining daughter to plant upon her sister's grave,
will be remembered while life lasts. Yes, Mrs. B.
loved children, and w^ell deserved their love in return.
But we wall read a part of the letter referred to.

" To Miss Harriet.

** I thought I perceived in the countenance of my
little friend when I promised to write to her, an expres-
sion of incredulity, as if she thought an old lady like
Auntie Bacon could not or would not write to a little
girl. But as I always endeavor never to promise with-
out fulfilling my word, I must rob your good mother
of a corner of her paper to tell my dear little pet that I
have not forgotten her. I have many dear children to
love in this part of the country, some of w hom are my
dear nieces and nephews. But a corner of my heart is
reserved for my sweet Harriet, w^ho often by her affec-
tionate caresses soothed my sad or weary moments. I
think I hear you greeting me when at play in your
yard, or if you saw^ me across the street how soon w^ould
come bounding along the tiny form, expressing so much
pleasure in the meeting.^^

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 99

The next letter is to one of the dear young people in
Sackett^s Harbor, formerly a Sabbath scholar of Mrs.

Bacon's from whom Mrs. B had just received a

most affectionate letter, desiring a correspondence.

" Sandxiicli, 3Iass., April 10, 1830.
" Most heartily and readily do I reciprocate the wish
of my beloved Elizabeth to correspond, and thus con-
tinue a friendship for one whose affectionate attentions
have alleviated many trials which it was my lot to
endure while a resident at Sackett's Harbor. For I
cannot now revert to your unnumbered kindnesses, and
those of your family to one so unworthy, (and who had
no particular claims upon you,) without tears of affec-
tion and gratitude. None but the unfortunate, possess-
ing hearts of sensibility and refinement can realize the
solace impart-ed by the delicate attentions of those whom
we love and esteem. The contents of your letter were
devoured with avidity, both by Mr. Bacon and myself,
especially that part of it which related to the wonderful
work of grace with which you have been visited. The
delio;htful tidino-s that some for whom we had lono; felt
anxiety had at length submitted to the supremacy of
him who is '■ Lord of all ' excited in our hearts the most
tender and grateful emotions. Gladly would we have
flown on wings of joy and love to congratulate them on
their recovery from the service of sin and Satan.
Doubtless souls are alike precious in the estimation of
Jehovah, But we, poor finite beings cannot well help
feeling a peculiar interest in the conversion of those
with whom we are more intimately connected or ac-
quainted. That dear youth, Walter K., I do hope will

100 BIOGRAPHY OF MKS. LYDIA B. BACO^T.

be an influential, active Christian, one who will on all
occasions let his light shine, and thereby lead others to
irlorifv his Father in Heaven. You mention William

F . He was one of our first Sahhath scholars, and

his case is one of much interest to me, and so indeed
are many others whom you mention. How delightful
to see so many in their youth, and others in the merid-
ian of life come over on the Lord's side. Oh, the7'e will
he no dearth of Sabbath school teachers now ! My imag-
ination is often with you in that dear school, and in
that beloved sanctuary where my heart has been so
often warmed while my mind was banqueting on the
Gospel feast. Those were precious seasons never to be
forgotten. There were dear friends with whom per-
haps we shall never again unite in the pleasant services
of God's house on earth, but may we be so blest as at
last to meet in that upper sanctuary where are no more
separations. I cannot tell you, my sweet Elizabeth,

how anxiously we have looked for the name of

among the converts. Why is it that a heart so kind to
others should be so cruel to himself? Why should one
who so delights in making others happy withhold his
choicest affections from that Being who with a bounti-
ful hand has loaded him with benefits ? Oh, may he
speedily be brought to realize that there is a treasure
in heaven, and make that treasure his own. It is truly

gratifying to see the names of Mr. and Mrs. E

among the happy number who have joined themselves
to the Lord in a covenant never to be broken. Mr.

E will, I am sure, be a very useful brother, being

a man of energy and decision of character. Mr. P

and Mr. Mc K also will be great helps. Great

BIOGRAPHY or MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 101

changes have taken place in Sackett's since we left.
A few weeks after our departure, some of the fairest of
the youth were suddenly snatclicd by death from the
arms of their disconsolate friends ; others, as the result
of protracted disease, were called to their account.
But in the midst of wrath, God remembered mercy, and
the conviction and conversion of sinners has been the
angelic theme which occupied every tongue. Oh, how
long-suffering and compassionate is that Being who has
all power, both to destroy and to save. He is indeed a
God who heareth and answereth prayer, and constantly
verifies his promises to his believing children. By the
recent accounts from the Sandwich Islands, kings
and queens 'are still nursing fathers and mothers to the
church. How very interesting to have seen that young
king and queen dedicating their all to Jehovah ! Ke-
member us with much affection to your beloved family.
May we not flatter ourselves that in some of your
journeys you will visit Sandwich. It is a quiet, pleas-
ant village on the Cape, and the glass works are worth
seeing, being an extensive establishment. We have
many comforts and blessings. My dear husband has
perfect health, even better than before his sickness.
With much love to yourself and friends, and Mr, B. in
jMrticuIar, I remain

" Your affectionate

" Lydia Bacon."

Another letter follows to the same young friend, who
had been suffering severely from a species of neuralgia
in the head, and had expressed a desire for ' a long
9*

102 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOK.

comforting letter' from Mrs. B., together witli some
surprise that it should be delayed.

'' Sandwich, July 2(jth, 1830.
" Sympathy for your poor head, my precious child,
has made me withhold my pen until the present time.
I assure you this has required some self-denial, for it
affords me much pleasure to receive and answer your
affectionate epistles. Would that I could relieve you of
that dreadful pain. I sympathize with you most truly
in this severe trial ; hut I feel assured my sweet young
friend realizes who it is that thus afflicts her. If a
child of the Most High, there is a ' needs-be ' for your
suffering, for our heavenly Father doth not afflict his
children willingly. And though for the present not
joyous hut grievous, yet the end may work out for you
the peaceable fruits of righteousness. It is salutary to
reflect much on the sufferings of Christians in past ages,
and especially on the trials and sorrows of our Divine
Redeemer, who suffered even unto death that he might
bring us to God. Are you not lost in wonder and as-
tonishment when you think of the love which caused
this sacrifice ? Oh, the infinite evil of sin which made
it necessary for the Son of God thus to suffer, thus to
die ! Let us then cheerfully endure whatever his hand
shall lay upon us, fearing nothing but the having a
name to live when we are dead, and the possibility of
being deceived and having no part in the marriage
supper of the Lamb. Dear E., who would wish to have
all their good things in this life — a short and transitory
state which is only given us to prepare for another
which shall never end ? A few more days, months or

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 103

years and the places wliicli kno^Y us now shall know us
no more foreYer. Oh, then may we find that our trials
haYe worked out for us * a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory.^

" Often, dear E , do I recall the delightful hours

passed with you when together we sought instruction
from the sacred page, or side hy side listened to our
dear pastor's exposition of the Messed word. Those are
seasons ncYer to return, but the tie which binds us to
that people is not easily broken. We haYe a small
Sabbath school here, but our church is scattered OYer
some distance, which makes it difficult for all to attend
with punctuality. Husband and I both haYe large
classes, and those that are Yery interesting. I hope that
you, my young friend, will soon haYe health to enable
you to serYe in this blessed institution. We are Yery
anxious to hear from you all, but especially from Mr.
B. I felt extremely sorry to hear that he was unable
to preach for you any longer. But you say rightly,
' Some are called to worh, and others to suffer,^ and true
religion is to perform the work or endure the suffering,
as God shall appoint. I cannot but belie yo that if our
Uycs are spared y'o shall meet again on earth ; but if
this pleasure shall be denied us, most sincerely do I
join Y^th you in the hope and prayer that we may meet
where parting is no more. There, disrobed of sin, and
freed from pain, Y'e shall ncYcr be Y'eary in the service
of our Kedeemer.

-■'i '.'i -.^$ i,'l -.Jf '.{l

" We are boarding a few weeks in the family of my

sister J , which is quite a relief while the warm

weather lasts, and 2;iYes me more time to devote to such

104 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOK.

pursuits as are congenial to my taste. It is very de-
lightful also to enjoy my sister's society after being so
long separated. All I fear is that my rehellious heart
will not feel gratitude in any degree commensurate
with the favors I am constantly receiving. The season
has been very delightful this summer. I presume your
garden is in its gayest bloom. Keceive this letter
warm from the heart of one who will ever think of you
with the liveliest affection. With many kisses for the
little darlings, and much prayer for your health and
growth in grace, I am, as ever,

" Your aficctionate and sympathizing friend,

" Lydia Bacon.''

To Mrs. B , of Sackett's Harbor :

" Sandzvich, Sept 10th, 1830.
" How delightful would it be could I pass the day
with my dear Harriet and her interesting family, and
hold sweet converse with them as in times past. I can
almost imagine myself in dear grandmother's room
surrounded by you all, each eager to impart some infor-
mation of what has transpired since last we met. But
alas, this cannot be ; many, many miles intervene and
exclude this pleasing intercourse. My only alternative
is that of writing, and although not so gratifying as a
personal interview would be, it must suflSce for the
present. It is some time since we heard from the Har-
bor, yet our interest in your village is not abated. We
beg you to write soon and give us an account of all that
is occurrinjx.

" The summer has passed rapidly and pleasantly with

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 105

US, every moment being filled with something useful or
interesting. Mj husband and self have just returned
from a visit to Boston, the first which we have made
since our location here. He tarried a few days and
then left me to finish my visit, which was principally to
his parents at Xewton. For we should not have left
this beautiful village in the summer for a visit to a city.
While at Boston we were gratified in visiting some of
the schools, it being the season for examination. It
was very interesting to me to witness the improvements
in the modes of instruction, as well as the proficiency of
the scholars. I was charmed with the sight of so many
lovely youth, but mused much upon the remarks made
a few Sabbaths since by a young theological student,
who is superintendent of the Sabbath school at Newton.
He was speaking of the difi*erence seen between those
who were educated together as they advanced in life.
* I went to school,' said he, ' with a bright lad who sat
on the same bench with me, pursued the same studies,
gamboled on the same green. But my schoolmate, as
he entered manhood, chose the paths of vice, and going
from one degree of crime to another has now to expiate
the guilt of murder upon the gallows.' This was
Knapp, the instigator of the atrocious murder in Salem !
" After my husband returned to Sandwich, (leaving
me in Boston,) I had a very unexpected pleasure. What
do you think it was ? / was told that a lady from
Sackett^s Harbor wished to see me. I flew to meet her>
not knowing who it could be, my heart almost ready to
burst with surprise and delight. Who should I embrace

but dear Susan G ? I had thought much of her

this summer, and wished much to see her, but little

106 BIOGKAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

frucsscd I should so soon be oTatified. She had come to
Boston with a party Avho were going to Vermont, she
intending to visit me at Sandwich while they continued
their journey to Vt. My visit at Boston was nearly
through, and last Thursday we left for Sandwich
together, accompanied by my dear mother. It is a
beautiful ride from Boston hither. We stopped at
Plymouth over night, and Susan and I slept together.
The last time that we had this privilege was in Madison
harracJcs I now we were in the land of our forefathers.
There we had often participated in many events
important and interesting to us ; here we visited the
rock on which our ancestors first stept their foot, and
together ascended the hill which is converted into a re-
pository for the dead. We stept lightly over the ashes
of the descendants of those who, under Providence, be-
queathed to us so fair a heritage. From the summit of
the hill we had an extensive view of the harbor and
surrounding country. Susan and myself improved
every spare moment in conversation about dear Sackett's
Harbor friends. I cannot find words to express to yon
how much we enjoyed her visit. Eemember us to all

who inquire. Give my love to Mr ; compliments is

too cold a term for such friends as we have been, to use.
Say to dear little Hattie that I should write her a few
lines had I room. I hope she is a good girl. Tell her

Uncle B joins with auntie in love and kisses to our

darling. With most affectionate regard for yourself
and all the family, (not forgetting grandmother,) I re-
main, dear Harriet,

" Yours in Christian bonds,

" Lydia Bacon."

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 107

The next is a most tender and consoling letter to the
young friend whom she had previously addressed, and
whose illness still continued, causino; her much sufferino-
and mental depression.

" Sandwich, Feh. 15, 1831.
" From your long silence, my beloved Elizabeth, I am
led to conclude that you are still much indisposed, for I
know that your perseverance and resolution would
enable you to surmount difficulties if it were possible.
I have thought much of you, my precious child, and
fancied I could see you in your room bearing with
meek submission that dreadful pain in your head which
your heavenly Father sees fit to afflict you with. Oh,
that you may be enabled to feel that his purposes are
wise, and to say, ' Thy will, not mine, be done.' May
that youthful heart which you have long since surren-
dered to your Saviour be filled with 'joy and peace in
believing.' May you have that peace which the world
cannot give or take away. You have been signally
favored at the Harbor in the outpouring of the holy
spirit. Not only has your heart been gladdened by
seeing the dear youth of the Sabbath school giving
their hearts to Christ ; but your own dear little sister
Mary has been a recipient of tliis blessing. How de-
lightful and encouraging must this have been ! But
where are the rest of your dear ones ? Is she the only
one who will come into the kingdom ? Where is dear
S. G. H. and L.? Do they still prefer the broad road ?
Oh, that you may be enabled to tell me in your next
that they too have chosen that good part which can
never be taken away for them.

" If your head will not suffer you to write me, do

lOS BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

depute Sophia or Mary to write for you. I so long to
hear from your dear family, whose kindness has
entwined them with every fibre of my heart. How
sweet is the recollection of the many hours spent in
your society. How speedily did the moments fly when
in your domestic circle I was so cordially admitted. My
heart delights to linger in fond remembrances of those
interesting scenes so long gone by. And now, dear
girl, I would ask how you feel under this trying dis-
pensation of Providence in regard to your health ? Do
you feel resigned to do or suffer whatever your heaven-
ly Father shall see fit to lay upon you, remembering
that * as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth
them that fear him ' ? Oh, that you may be enabled to
lie at the foot of the cross, and draw sweet consolation
from the promise ' as thy day is so shall thy strength
be.' ]\Iay we all be ripening for a home in those blest
mansions which our Saviour has gone to prepare for
those that love him.

" We and our friends here are all well at present,
my dear husband particularly so ; he joins me in kind
remembrances to your parents, grandmother and the
children. Accept my best wishes for your present and
future happiness.

" I remain ycur grateful and affectionate,

" Lydia Bacon.''

Anotlicr to the same friend, dated

'' Sandwich, Aug. 30, 1831.
"Accept my grateful thanks, my beloved young
friend, for your highly interesting favor of April 23d.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 109

1 was indeed rejoiced at seeing your well-known hand
once more, for it conveyed to me the pleasing intelli-
gence that you were yet spared. Spared not onl}" to
your friends, but to the cause of the best of Masters —
that Master to whom you, my beloved child, have con-
secrated the morning of your life. Oh, may life and
health be continued to you, and strength be imparted
from on high to enable you to pursue the narrow path
that leads to joys which ' eye hath not seen nor ear
heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to
conceive.'

'' Think me not neglectful, my sweet Elizabeth, that
I have not replied to your precious letter until the
present time. This would not be just, for amidst the
numerous cares and interests attendant upon my new
situation which have made m}^ hands too full to write,
my heart has been often with you. Imagination, ever
busy, has brought your image and that of your dear
family often before me, and recalled those seasons of
social Christian intercourse Avliich are blended with all
my retrospections of life spent at Sackett's Harbor. It
grieved us to hear of a decline in religion in your
church. I hope in your next you will be able to report
' better things ' even ' things that accompany salvation.'
I presume you notice in the papers accounts of a won-
derful work of grace in almost all parts of our beloved
country. It is truly astonishing. The revival still
progresses in Boston. We have just returned from
thence, and while there were delighted with the atten-
tion given ' to the one thing needful ' in that gay and
populous city. Great numbers of the youth of both
sexes have joined the standard of the Lord among all
10

110 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

the Orthodox denominations. Mr. Finney is to be in
Boston in the course of a fortnight. He is now at
Newport, R. I., where there is an astonishing work of
grace in 2)rogress, The good ministers of Boston were
at first a little fearful of having Mr. E. to labor among

them ; but Mr. AY has been to hear him and

returned with a good report, and they have invited him
to come. Mr. F. has accepted the invitation, (as I un-
derstand,) and will be with them at the time I mentioned.
'' We received a paper from Sackett's Harbor a day

or two since, announcing the death of Mr. E -. We

feel that this must be a great loss, not only to his
family, but to the community at large. As a husband
and father, a teacher of youth and a Christian, his de-
cease will be severely felt. I trust that his dear wdfe
has that support from above which alone can sustain
lier under this trying dispensation. The widow and
fatherless have many precious promises in the word of
God ; I hope that she and her children will be enabled
to lay hold of them and put all their confidence in Him
whose word is everlasting truth. We sympathize with
them most tenderly. No doubt your family will
sincerely lament the loss of this valuable member of
society. You, as well as your brothers and sisters have
received the first lessons of your education from him.
Of course many tender recollections are associated with
this assiduous teacher and friend who is now no more.
But blessed be God we mourn not as those wdio have no
hope. Though he was tardy in embracing the doctrines
of the gospel, yet we hope he will not be least in the
kingdom of Heaven. This blessed gospel, which so
many reject, shed a light and peace around his dying

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. Ill

bed. Let the unbeliever scoff; there is ^ joy and love-
liness attending the death of a chikl of God which no
language can describe.

" It gives me much satisfaction, my dear E., to see
the disposition with which you view the dealings of
Providence towards yourself You have much to endear
you to life ; but without grace these very blessings
would have much increased your trials under the indis-
position you have had to endure. May you come forth
from the furnace as gold doubly refined, and be able to
say, ' it is good for me that I have been afflicted.'

" My mother has all her children with her at present,
which has not been the case before in many, many years.
She enjoys good health for her age, and unites with my
husband and self in kindest regards to you and to all.
Write soon, my beloved girl, to your ever affectionate,

" Lydia Bacon."

" To Mrs. B of Sackett's Harbor.

" Sandivich, Oct 20, 1831.
" My very dear Harriet: — Your highly interesting,
but sombre letter of Oct. 6th, has produced so many
emotions in my breast, that I know not what to say or
where to commence. Although your silence had been
protracted beyond what I expected or wished, yet I
could not but believe that you had good reasons for it.
My confidence in your friendship was too strong to be
shaken, and I could not bring myself to think that
time or distance had diminished it. I have felt that
you had much to do at Sackett's, and my imperfect
petitions were often arising to a throne of mercy on

112 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

your bclialf, that grace niiglit bo imparted equal to
your necessities.

" What a scene you must have witnessed at the

E s ? My heart bleeds when I think of it. What

strength, what resolution, what a high sense of duty,
what trust in God must have been necessary to have
carried you through those kind but sad offices 1 Poor
Charlotte ! ho^^ forlorn, how disconsolate must she now
feel, for she has not yet learned to put her trust in the
Father of the fatherless. Oh, that she may be led to
Him who will support, guide, and protect all who rely
upon him. May she hear his gracious voice, saying,
' Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver
thee, and thou shalt glorify me.' Her mind has been
well instructed in the truths of the gospel ; my fervent
prayer is that her heart may feel its blessed influences.
Dear child, give my kindest remembrances to her and
to them all. Tell them I sincerely sympathize with
them, and hope that they will turn to the Lord in this
day of their calamity. Then will they have a friend
indeed, one into whose compassionate heart they can
pour all their sorrows, and find the consolation and
support which they need. The pilgrimage of their dear
parents has not been long but wearisome, yet now we
trust they have entered into that ' rest which remaineth
for the people of God.' Now they can look back upon
the path they have trod and see that it was marked
out by unerring wisdom. Now disease has no longer
power over their bodies, nor sin dominion over their
souls, but, washed in the blood shed upon Calvary, their
robes are made white, and their harps and voices tuned
to the praises of redeeming love. Dear Lucy, too, is

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 113

gone. What a train of reflections does the tliouglit of
her departure create in my mind. Her whole life rises
in retrospective view before me, and the many inter-
esting scenes in which I mingled with her are especially
prominent. Like a dream, they fled, but 1 can hardly
realize that she is a disembodied spirit. Her pilgrim-
age, too, was short, and owing to infirmities of the body,
from which she was seldom exempt, often wearisome.
You say nothing special respecting her exit, but I trust
that she was prepared to meet her God, and that her
end was peace.

" Your description of the state of the church is too,
too painful ; your spirit must be grieved within you.
Oh, that the great head of the church would send his
Holy Spirit into your midst to rectify the sins and errors
that abound ! God is doing great things at the pres-
ent time in his American Israel ; every breeze comes
laden with some delightful news of the Gospel's tri-
umph. Let us then hope better things for poor Sack-
ett's, even that the Sun of Righteousness may arise
there with healing in his beams, and chase away the
darkness of spiritual night.

*' We are very glad to hear that Mr. Boyd's health is
better, and hope that he may be entirely restored, for
we think him calculated to be very usefuL Do remem-
ber us to him when you see him. Dear Elizabeth

C , with the rest of that estimable family, holds a

large place in our hearts. She favors me with a prec-
ious letter occasionally ; please say to her that I have
answered her last, and that as soon as her health
permits, I shall hope to hear from her again. My
10*

114 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

mother is well, and very grateful for your kind remem-
l)rance of lier. Tell your good husband if he will hring
you to see us it will afford us inexpressible pleasure.
Adieu, my beloved in the Lord.

" Yours ever,

"Lydia Bacon."

'' To Miss Elizabeth C , referred to at the close

of the last letter.

" Sandwich, Feb, 15, 1832.

" It is impossible, my precious young friend, to
describe the thrill which comes over me upon the pe-
rusal of your interesting letters. I imagine myself
with you, I see you, hear you converse, am seated by
your side in the Bible class, the conference meeting, or
the sanctuary, and all the interesting situations in
which we were so frequently engaged together rise in
review before me. As I muse, the tears flow in rapid
succession, but not altogether tears of regret. No ;
that would be ungrateful to him who permitted me to
tarry so long with you, and has removed me hither that
I might enjoy the society of my dear relatives.

" I should have answered your letter sooner but have
been prevented by the state of my health. I have had
the prevailing influenza, and it has affected my lungs
considerably. What the end will be I know not. I
have not been well a moment since the second week in
December, though not confined to the house except in
bad weather. I have now a large blister on my
throat, and hope it will be efficacious in removing the
difficulty. I have some cough, and find it quite diflft-

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 115

cult to converse much. I can more feelingly sympa-
thize with you, my beloved child, than when I was well.
Bemember me, dear E., at a throne of grace, and pray
that strength may be given me to bear all my heav-
enly Father's will. Ah, we know not how soon (if we
are indeed God's children,) we shall be called to sing
the praises of redeeming love around his throne. Time
appears very short to me — eternity very near. But
with the garment of Christ's righteousness about me,
death ivill he welcome, come when it may. Oh, may our
love to Christ inspire us both with that holy feeling
which led an apostle to exclaim, ' For me to die is
gain.' I heard a child of God, when dying, say, ' He
considered death one of the greatest blessings, for it
was his passport to his Saviour.'

*' My heart was cheered with the sweet state of your
mind in view of death apparently so near. But you
were spared and permitted to attend the death-bed of
your early instructor. How affecting to your feelings,
how exciting to your sympathies must this have been.
You accompanied your Christian brother to the confines
of eternity, but there you had to leave him. No
earthly friend can go with us through the dark valley.
But the Friend, * who sticketh closer than a brother ' is
nigh, to take us by the hand, and calm the waves that
the passage over Jordan shall not overwhelm us. How
dreadful the condition of those who have not such a
friend in their hour of extremest need. We rejoice to
hear that you have a good minister, and that the pros-
pects of the church are brighter. And is our lovely

S joined to the people of God? This is blessed

news indeed. Tell her that I am happy to hear it, and

116 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BAC02T.

that I trust she will be a firm, active Christian, taking
up her cross in Tier youth. I presume she has a class in
the Sabhath school. H , I always felt much inter-
ested in, and rejoice to know that she too has chosen
the Saviour as her portion. Well do I remember the
first time she came to Sabbath schooL She was in my
own class, and though quite ignorant of religious truth,
was very desirous of acquiring knowledge, and seemed
to listen with much attention to the instruction which I

tried to impart. That school, dear E , lies very

near my heart. Do give my love to the dear teachers
and the chiklren who remember me — I shall never for-
get them. It must have been delightful to you to have
dear brother and sister Gallao^her once more at Sack-
ett's. Were not the scholars overjoyed to see him ?
We had a delightful interview with her two summers
since — I believe I told you of it. Perhaps it is the last
interview we shall ever have this side eternity. Do
remember husband and self to her and her father's
family most affectionately. Our dear father Bacon
departed this life week before Thanksgiving, in his
71st year. He died in the full enjoyment of that faith
which is ' the evidence of things not seen.' We see
some engagedness in religion here, and several have

experienced a hopeful change. My brother W 's

wife is among the number. Dear Elizabeth, write me
again soon, and believe me as ever, fondly yours,

" L. B. Bacox."

To Mrs. B , of Sackett's Harbor.

"It is indeed a great privilege, my beloved Harriet,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 117

to be enabled to communicate our feelings to each other
in any way. But wbcn I take my pen so many thougbts
rusli into my mind wbicb it would be inexpedient to
commit to paper, that I would fain exchange this mode
for the more delightful one of personal conversation.
Oh, how many hours have we spent thus, while our
hands plied the busy needle. The instruction which I
often thus derived, and the consolation which I received
are indelibly impressed upon my mind. Sure I am
that your place will never be supplied to me. I have
many kind friends here, hut no sister Harriet. Your
last letter was full of interesting matter, and I thank
you for answering my numerous questions.

u We rejoice to hear that Mrs. W is blessed in

her child. Oh, that she may indeed prove a prop to her
declining age. It seems hardly credible that you should
not have seen her for sixteen months ; don't you ever go

to W ? I am not reconciled to your being so much

of a ' Martha ' as not to have visited that beautiful
village in all that time : especially as (having a
carriage of your own,) you have the means so abundant-
ly at your command. I am sorry to hear that your
health is not good. I can heartily sympathize with
you, for my own health has been miserable for some
time past. I have been obliged to be careful of myself,
and have been often deprived of the privilege of at-
tending evening meetings, and occasionally the services
of the Sabbath. But I would not murmur or complain,
for oh, how long, how greatly have I been favored in
this respect. How often have my willing feet walked
with you, my dear Harriet, to the house of God, my

118 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

heart filled with joy at the thought of salvation through
a crucified Eedeemcr. How often have I taken my
place in that Sahhath school with feelings not to be
described ! That school, those children may forget me,
hut never, no never shall I forget them. Our church and
congregation here have at length received the blessing
for which we have so long prayed. In February we
had a ' protracted meeting/ preceded by a church fast,
and this special efibrt has been owned and blessed of
God, as we humbly trust. About sixty in our society
give evidence of a change of heart, and the work is
still progressing. The feeling has been deep, solemn
and pungent, and embraces both the young and middle
aged, including several heads of families. Our Sabbath
school shares largely in this work of grace. Oh, it is a
sweet and cheering sight to see the love of Christ
reflected in the countenances of these lambs of the
flock. One of my scholars, a colored girl about sixteen
years old, is a hopeful subject of grace. When she
told me, (to repeat her own expression,) that * her heart
loved Jesus,^ I could have hugged her, black as she
was. She is a dear child, and seems like ' a new
creature.' Others in my class are thoughtful. Help
me, dear friend, to praise Him from whom all blessings
flow that I have lived to see a revival in a Sahhath school,
a thing I so much desired to see at Sackett's, but was
not permitted. Pray for us, that this precious work
may be continued till all shall acknowledge Christ as
their Saviour.

'' We are very happy to hear that you have such an
agreeable accession to your society as Mrs. Adams and
her mother, and Mrs. M. They have it in their power

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 119

to be very useful, especially as they arc members of the
household of faith. Kemember me most affectionately
to them, and to all inquiring friends ; I cannot designate
all by name, but you know as well as I can tell you.
It gives me much pleasure to hear that S. S. has con-
cluded to study for the gospel ministry. I thought that
would be his final decision. His mind was turned to
the subject so early that I felt the impression would not
be very easily effaced. My husband says you omitted
two important matters in your letter. You did not
send him your love, (of which he claims a share as well
as myself,) and you told us nothing about dear little
Harriet. I hope you will make amends in your next.
We were very happy to hear of the local improvements
in the Harbor, and think the value of property will be
much increased. Eemember us most kindly to dear
grandmother and the rest, and believe me

'^ Yours in Christian bonds,
" Lydia Bacon.''

. To Mrs. C , at Sackett's Harbor.

'' I avail myself of the first real leisure moment
since the receipt of your very interesting letter to give
you evidence of my continued affection by replying to
it. It rejoiced our hearts to hear of your welfare, and
to know that your beloved husband is better. Truly,
health is one of our greatest earthly blessings ; but like
other mercies not sufficiently prized until it is with-
drawn. "We rejoice with you that your dear T has

been made a recipient of divine grace. Oh, that he
may become a burning and shining light, a faithful

120 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

laborer in liis Master's vineyard, and may his dear
brothers be partakers of the like blessing. I am more
than ever convinced of the value of early instruction in
religious things. We see evidence of its worth at the
present day in the conversion of very young children.
' Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings ' God is per-
fecting ' praise.' We hope to hear soon that there is a
better state of things at the Harbor. When will the
blessed Jesus bo all and in all to those v»'ho profess
to love him? How long-suffering, how full of com-
passion and goodness is he toward the sons of men.
What mercy has he manifested towards this nation
during the past year, in refreshing so many of his
churches with his divine presence, and bringing such
multitudes of sinners to bow to a Saviour's feet. And
now he is abroad in the earth in judgment: the dread-
ful cholera is slaying its thousands, and we know not
where or when it will stop. How many has it sum-
moned, (as it were,) in a moment to the tribunal of
their Judge. How shocking the thought that so many
immortals have been ushered unprepared into eternity.
Will it not bring the thoughtless to consideration and a
preparation to meet God in peace.

''Yesterday, by appointment of our Governor, the
people of this State observed a fast, that if possible, by
humiliation and prayer, this dreadful calamity which
threatens us may, by divine mercy, be averted. Other
States have done, or vrill do, the same. Oh, that
prayer may ascend from sincere and contrite hearts,
and, presented through the mediation of him who ever
liveth to make intercession for us, find acceptance and
bring answers of peace. To those who are prepared it

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 121

makes but little difference liow tliej pass from this
world to another. But how necessary that we, as pro-
fessing Christians, see that our lamps are burning, that
we be not thrust from the kingdom with that awful
sentence, ' I know you not.'

** It gives us much pleasure to hear that our beloved
Mr. Boyd has recovered his health, and is able to preac'^

at W . The remembrance of him is very sweet to

us. May he long enjoy health and happiness. Happy
he will ever be while engaged in his Master's cause,
and I know he feels that nothing else, (comparatively
speaking,) is worth living for. I can readily imagine
that your visit to TJtica was both profitable and useful.
How did you find that dear sister of your husband, and
your good father and Cornelia ? She was a dear girl ;
do remember me to her. Poor Lucy has sunk to an
early grave. I felt much when I heard of her death,
and still more when I read your letter giving a more
particular account than I had before received. Her
course was short and toilsome ; but I trust she is now
where sorrow can never come. What a memento to us
who survive of the frailty of earthly joys is the early
death of many with whom we have passed hours of
social converse and gone to the house of God in company.

'' My dear Josiah sends a great deal of love to your-
self and husband, and bids me say you are often in his
thoughts, but his time is too much occupied for him to
write. His hours of business are from six in the morn-
ing to seven in the evening, and the business such as to
require his constant presence. Besides this he has
duties in the church and society which must be dis-
charged. We find wherever we are that we are not to
11

122 BIOGRAPHY OF MTXB. LYDIA B. BACON.

be idle, and our desire is to be useful as far as our
limited abilities will permit. You know those who have
but one talent must not bury it in the earth, or hide it
in a napkin.

" How does the Sabbath school succeed now ? Have
you an interesting Bible class ? And how are Mrs. G.
and Mrs. C, and the dear sisters of the praying circle ?
May the presence of the Lord ever be with them. We
are glad you have so good a pastor ; may he prove a
lasting blessing ! Though unknown personally to us,
we shall ever feel deeply interested in the pastor of
' Sackett's Harbor Presbyterian Society.' With love to
all your family, I am your friend,

" Lydia."

The following letter was written to the dear young

friend heretofore addressed as Miss C , but who

having happily united her destinies with the Eev. Mr.
Boyd, received thus the congratulations of her faithful
friend and correspondent. She will be designated here-
after in these letters as Mrs. E. C. B.

'' Sandwich, Oct. 27th, 1832.
" My dear Elizabeth : — Your interesting epistle was
received and perused as usual with unfeigned delight.
It is very kind in you thus to contribute to my happi-
ness, especially when you are pressed with so many
cares. I should have answered your letter ere this, but
unavoidable duties prevented me. The pleasant sum-
mer has passed with great rapidity, and now the
"whistling winds and changing foliage of autumn are
heralding the approach of winter. This to many is

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BAC0>7. 1T6

unpleasant, but not to me. I enjoy all the seasons in
their turn, and the many comforts wliicli solace us in the
inclement season are a constant call upon our gratitude
to that good Being who is the giver of every good and
perfect gift. Yet the summer has many charms
peculiar to itself. We often think and speak of your
beautiful garden, and wish we could see it and its
beloved owners. Our garden is very good, but will not
compare with yours for taste and elegance. Do you
cultivate the Isabella grape ? This and the Black
Hamburgh are very hardy, and require very little more
care than the wild grape. But where am I rambling ?
'' My principal object in the present communication
is to congratulate my beloved Elizabeth and the dear
pastor upon their union with each other. This I do,
dear friends, with the most heartfelt satisfaction, feeling
assured that a union founded upon such princi^^les as
yours must be productive of mutual happiness. May
Heaven's choicest blessings be poured out upon you !
May you indeed be helpmeets to each other through
a long and happy pilgrimage. You, my precious girl,
are now in the situation which I have always anticipated
it would be your lot to fill. May you have grace and
wisdom given you . to discharge the numberless duties
new and important which will now devolve upon you.
Be every thing, dear E., which a minister's wife ought
to be. Thus will you continue to sustain that character
which has hitherto contributed so essentially to the
happiness of your dear parents and friends. Great
have been your advantages both natural and acquired ;
the ten talents have been committed to you for improve-
ment. Oh, how great is your responsibility ! I write

124 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BAC05T.

not thus, my beloved child, because I think you have
not duly appreciated all these considerations ; but they
force themselves upon me, my heart is full, and I must
write as I feel. You can never know the deep interest
which I have felt in your welfare and future happiness,
nor can you realize the pleasure it now gives me to see
you so happily united to one so worthy of you. It
must be a mutual gratification too that you are settled
so near your beloved parents. This will mitigate the
pangs of your removal from them. We have always
been interested in Watertown, and shall feel that
interest increased now that you are located there. Do
write soon and inform us how you are pleased with your
new situation, and what there is of interest in the
Church, Sabbath school, Bible class, &c. Every thing
which concerns you and yours will always he matters of
interest to us. It must be very agreeable to Mr. Boyd
to be in the same village with so estimable a man as
Mr. Boardman. Please present our most respectful re-
membrances to the latter and to his wife.

" I thank you, dear E., for the intelligence contained
in your last respecting so many of our young friends at
the Harbor. Truly, it is a time of ' marrying and giving
in marriage.^ The change to Elvira must be great in-
deed, though not unpleasant to one of so amiable a
disposition. She has been a great pet with her parents,
and of course will need and require much indulgence
from her husband. This I presume she will receive, as
I understand he is a man of fine temper, and has been
a most attentive and affectionate grandson. I love
Elvira, and trust that the many prayers off'ered on her
behalf by her dear departed mother will be answered

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 125

by her becoming a clecided and influential Christian.
Walter and Prances have every rational prospect of
happiness. Having devoted themselves to Christ in
their youth, they will escape many temptations incident
to the morning of life. Mutually sharers of each
other's joys and sorrows, may they ascend the hill of
Zion with their faces ever thitherward, looking to their
Saviour for grace to help in their every time of need.
Thus will their lives pass sweetly and tranquilly, and
their influence be happy on all around them. Tell

dear I recommend her to devote fifteen minutes

every day to a contemplation of the blessings which she
enjoys. My knowledge of her disposition and tempera-
ment induces me to send her such a message. Her
good sense will, I trust, pardon the liberty I take, and
her Christian feelings will lead her to receive it kindly,
as coming from an elder sister in Christ, who has the
advantage of some experience. Tell her I shall ever
feel deeply interested in her welfare. Indeed, you
know not how my heart yearns over the dear youth at

the Harbor. I learn that Charlotte E has chosen

the good part. Oh, Elizabeth, how great is my joy at
hearing of the conversion of my Sabbath school scholars.
Our school here is increasingly flourishing and interest-
ing. My dear husband and self find our love to the
lambs of the flock daily increasing. Do remember us
to all our friends at Sackett's, especially to your father's
family, and give our kindest regards to your beloved
husband.

'' Yours most affectionately,

" LypiA Bacon."
11*

126 BIOGBAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

To Mrs. H. B.

*' Scmdwicl, Nov. 26t7i, 1832.

" Your good letter, my dear Harriet, seemed to bring
your form and face directly before me. "When I read
it I felt as if in the very presence of that dear, dear
friend with whom I have passed so many happy hours,
and from whom I have received so many proofs of
disinterested affection. These scenes I know can never
return, but the recollection of them will never be
obliterated. How often have we proffered our petitions
together to the throne of grace. How often have we
in concert endeavored to instruct the ignorant, comfort
the afflicted and reclaim the wanderer. Those were
precious duties, and precious privileges too. May my
heart ever be filled with gratitude for the opportunities
which I had at Sackett's of doing good, and may I be
humbled with the review of my poor performance of
such duties and obligations. Dear Harriet let us be
faithful in fulfilling every present duty and persevere
unto the end. Then, though we should never meet
again on earth, we may together worship the Lamb
around his Father's throne forever and ever.

" Dear sister, how does religion flourish in your hef.irt
now? Does the Saviour appear more and more
precious ? Does the world recede, and time appear as
nothing compared with eternity ? And can you uot
sometimes say, * It is better to depart and be w'th
Christ ?' How important that we be always prepared
to die ! The judgments of the Lord are abroad in the
earth, and both the righteous and the wicked are cut
off in a moment. True, the places where you and I
reside have been hitherto exempt from this dreadful

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 127

scourge, but we know not how long tliey will continue
so. If sin is the procuring cause of this great evil,
surely Sackett's and Sandwich ought to tremble.

" Thank you, dear sister, for the interesting commu-
nications in your last letter. I had heard some of the

news from our dear Elizaheth. Say to that she

must make a good tvife. He was one of my

favorite children, and a great friend of my husband.
The latter says 'it would make Uncle Bacon very

unhappy if his young friend had not an obedient

wife.' This is one of the cardinal virtues in his esteem.

I should love to visit them, and also our beloved J

and E , who are at length happily united. May

their lives be prolonged, and they be made abundantly

useful. I have loved E ever since I knew her, and

always felt that hers would not be a common lot. The
propriety of her behavior, the rectitude of her senti-
ments, and the strength of her principles seemed
always far beyond her years. Now she is placed by
Providence in a situation where her example may con-
strain many others to glorify God. You, dear Harriet,
are indeed full of cares. Some are destined to be

Martlias ; but as good Mr. B says, ' it is better to

wear out than to rust out.' I am sorry that your dear
ao:ed mother suffers so much. Her life seems to be
prolonged through much suffering. I hope she is
making rapid attainments in the divine life. I often
think of the many precious female prayer-meetings
held in her room ; it was indeed a Bethel. Are those
meetings still attended there ? Do remember me to all
those dear sisters, and beg them not to forget me in
their prayers. My dear mother sends her love to you

128 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

and yours. She lias been quite sick tliis fall, so much
so that we felt alarmed ahout her ; hut she has now
recovered, and is as well as usual. I felt it a great
privilege that she was where I could wait upon her
when sick. She is now seventy years old, and enjoys
hotter health than most aged people do. ^ * '■'^' '-•'
We are glad to hear so good an account of our dear
little nariiet May she ever prove a blessing to you.
Tell her, as soon as she learns to write, she must send
us a letter. I am sure she must have a great deal to
tell Auntie Bacon about the birds, and trees and
flowers, to say nothing of the dolls and playthings. I
suppose your shrubbery has grown wonderfully since

I have seen it. Do the apple trees which brother J

planted along the fence bear yet? And how is the
beautiful tree which I set out in the cottage garden
fronting the street ? It was an acacia, and if it lives
must, I think, be a large tree now. My dear Josiah
sends a great deal of love to his little pet Harriet, and
wishes she could dine with us tomorrow, as we expect
our little nephews and nieces to help us keep Thanks-
giving. But I must close with much love to you all.

*' From your affectionate
" Lydia Bacok'^

To Mrs. E. C.

" Sandivich, March 22d, 1833.
" Your affectionate letter, my beloved friend, was
duly received, and its contents devoured with avidity.
Could you realize the pleasure it gives me to hear from
you, you would not be so sparing of your epistolary
favors. The apparent depression of spirits under which

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 129

you appeared to labor when you wrote has given me
much uneasiness. Oh, that I had wino-s that I could
fly to you for a short time, that we might, as in days
gone by, impart our mutual joys and sorrows. When
I remember that in your breast I ever found sympathy,
I long to bestow comfort and consolation in your trials
and sorrows. We are both of us sensitive ; I think you
are more so than myself. Though much younger in
years than I am, you have had much experience of this
workPs changeableness. We have both arrived at an
age that we can calmly and rationally view things as
they actually are, making all allowance for the perverse-
ness of our natures, which are constantly prepense to
eviL That same selfish ambition which made Eve
aspire to the wisdom of Him who made her is too pre-
dominant in her posterity, and is ever marring the
enjoyment which we might otherwise take. For we
have much given us to enjoy even here, and our very
troubles are calculated to give a zest to our comforts,
as past deprivations enhance subsequent fullness. For
many years I have felt as if every blessing was
undeserved by me, and bestowed as pure unmerited
grace by my heavenly Father. So that the bread tvMch
I eat, and the ijure stream which slakes my thirst, cause
at times emotions of gratitude tvholly indeserihahle. I
have reason also to be thankful to that kind Providence
which has permitted us to spend our last days with our
beloved relatives. It adds much to my dear mother's
happiness to have us near her. Here too is a field for
usefulness where we can live and labor in a calm, peace-
ful way which suits us well after so many changes.

130 BiOGRArnY of mrs. lydia b. bacon.

You know I am prone to look on the briglit side ; evils
decrease and blessings brighten wbcn I compare tbem.
" We heard of the death of your dear father Camp,
and felt that you had met with a great loss. Well do
I remember the last time I saw him ; I thought as I
took my leave of him w^e should probably never meet
again. I always thought him a lovely old gentleman,
and agree with you in thinking that our loss is doubt-
less his gain. Assured of this, why should we mourn
departed friends ? Oh, rather let us endeavor to be
prepared to meet them in glory. I thank you for your
account of Mrs. Clark. I have never been able to learn
before how her mind was exercised in view of death,
though I always felt that she was a true and humble
follower of the Saviour. I cannot help complaining of
you a little for not telling me more about the friends
with whom I do not correspond, but for whom I feel the
most lively interest. Dear Mary White — has she
forgot her sister Lydia ? I often think of the pleasant
three months we spent together. And how is Mrs.

Bridge and her dear little Ann ? How are Mrs. G

and Clarissa? Tell the latter I still keep in good
preservation the basket she gave me at parting, and it
often reminds me of my dear little Sabbath scholar.
Have you now a class in that school ? Who teaches the
class which once was mine ? I suppose many of my old
scholars have left, and their places are supplied with
new ones. I am still favored with health and opportu-
nity to teach a class, and have a very interesting one.
We have two Sabbath schools here ; one is held at noon
in our meeting-house, and another at the close of the
afternoon service in the Pactory village. My dear

BIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 131

husband is superintendent in the former and a tcaelier
in the latter. So 3^ou see we are not permitted to be
idle, although we are removed from that part of Zion
where we so loved to labor. We have a sewing circle
on Tuesday eve., and a female prayer-meeting on
Wednesday. How I wish you would come to Sandwich.
The glass works are well worth seeing, and it is
extremely pleasant to strangers here in June. To me
it is pleasant all the year round, for I dearly love the
country. Already the bleating of the lambs and the
sweet notes of the birds remind us that the winter is
passing away. But I must close with my husband's
love and mine to you alL

" Your grateful and affectionate
*' Lydia Bacox."

To Mrs. H. B

'' Sandwich, March 10, 1834.
" Dear Harriet : — It always gives us inexpressible
pleasure to hear from you ; and having been so long
without one of your favors, I feared something serious
has happened to you. Judg;e then of my pleasure in
once more beholding your well known hand. But this
joy was greatly damped when I read of your illnesses
and sufferings. You have frequently been called to
suffer in this way ; it is the Lord's will, and who dare
' ask the reason why ? ' I rejoice to know that during
this last indisposition you enjoyed unusual peace of
mind. How good was our heavenly Father while he
afflicted your body to pour consolation into your mind.
How easy to bear infirmities when sustained by that
Almighty grace which causeth . * all things to work

132 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

ix)o:etlier for o-ood to those wlio love God.' And how
blessed a thing it is that we can glorify him hj suffering
his will as truly as by active labors. May we, dear
sister, be ever ready and willing to glorify him in just
the way he shall aj^point, whether by Christian activity
or Christian endurance. We know that he is too wise
to err. Lot us then endeavor under all circumstances
to feel and to say, ' Lord, do with us as seemeth good in
thy sight,' for * who is a God like unto our God ? '

" I too have numerous infirmities to bear ; but am
enabled to keep about, and think my health better than
when I wrote you last. I think of you and yours very
often, and wish greatly to see you. The next time
that you take a journey do come in this direction. I am
indeed in earnest in the matter. Here you can have
sea food, air and bathing. The latter, it is true, you
must go to the beach to enjoy, but it is only a mile from
our house. Will you come ? We were much pleased
to hear that you had ' a protracted meeting,' and that
the results were so satisfactory to the friends of Jesus.
We must ever feel the liveliest interest in the church at
the Harbor, for did we not witness its struggle for exist-
ence ? and have w^e not felt to our hearths core the oppo-
sition of the enemy? I often think of brother B's
remark as applied to your place, ' every Christian counts
fen,' and that ' it is an honor to be placed as watchman
on tlic walls where constant vigilance is necessary.^ We
are happy to hear that you have now such an able de-
fender of ' the faith once delivered to the saints.' May
you long enjoy his labors, and may the church thrive
under his fostering care. Is he interested in the Sab-
bath school, and do you have the S. S. concert regularly ?

BIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDIA C. BACOX. 133

We have tlicm here : tliej are lield in our own liouse.
My dear Josiah is still superintendent, and I have the
charge of the female department. It is now fifteen or
sixteen years since I have held this responsible situa-
tion, and oh, how imperfectly liave I discharged its im-
portant duties. Do you still sustain your female
prayer-meeting? and is it well attended? I ofter
think of the times when we bowed the knee together,
with only a sufficient number to claim the promise,
' where two or three are gathered together in my name
there am I in the midst of them.' Those were sweet
seasons ; but you are stronger now. May the number
of those who delight to go ' where prayer is wont to be
made ^ be largely increased. Your dear mother is
favored in being restored to more comfortable health.
Her image is often before me, seated in her nice arm-
chair, and the many pleasant hours passed with her are
not forgotten ; give her my kindest regards. M/
mother enjoys very good health for her years ; she is
now seventy-two. Soon probably must these dear ones
be laid in the grave ; but we may go before them. Oh,
that we may all be prepared to meet in those blessed
mansions above. There, freed from sin and no longer
compassed with infirmities, vre shall have no hindrances
to our worship and bliss.

*' You say dear little Harriet is much altered. No
doubt she is ; still I think I should know her. I could
not forget those eyes. Has she forgotten Uncle and
Auntie Bacon ? Well do I remember the shout of
welcome with which she always greeted us ; it seems
now to vibrate in my ears. Give my love to her. Our
12

134 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

dear Elizabetli and lier husband you say are gone to the
South. I did not tliink of their leaving so soon. My
husband joins me in kind regards to you all ; he is
happy to hear the temperance cause is looking up with
you.

" Write again soon to your affectionate

" Lydia.^'

The following letter from Mrs. Bacon to her friend is
inserted to show the rectitude of her principles, as well
as the sweet and tender charity of her feelings. I do
not know the individual, male or female, who more
richly abounded in deeds of charity and beneficence ;
yet her strict conscientiousness and discretion made up-
rightness and prudence ever the handmaids of her be-
nevolence. An incident still fresh in the mind of the
wTiter, though in itself a trifle, will illustrate my
meaning. Happening into her dwelling one day, I
found her just sitting down to her dinner. I mentioned
the case of a poor woman but a few doors off' who was
feeble and had nothing comfortable to eat. Mrs. B.
looked at her own table, and musing a moment said,
* I will send her this dish of soup ; it will be nourishing
and relishing for her, and if I choose to deny myself I
shall lorong no 07ie. I could send her money, but she
would not be able to make herself a broth if she is so
unwell ; and the fuel necessary to cook it would cost
more than she could afford.^' So the broth was sent to
the ailing indigent, and my friend made her own dinner
without her favorite dish. But we will pass to the

letter which is addressed to Mrs. B of Sackett's

Harbor, and is dated

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 135

" Boston, April 29, 1834.

'* Mj beloved sister Harriet : — Your letter was cor-
dially received. I am liappy to learn that your health
is so much better, but regret to hear of the indisposition

of Mr. H and N . That dear little Martha

too, her sickness must be most distressing, sucli a sweet
sprightly child, and lier mother's darling. When I
think of her mother, what a crowd of memories press
through my mind. Some of these, oh ! how delightful,
and some alas, how bitter. Well, resignation to the
divine will becomes such frail dependent creatures as
we are. Heavenly Father, may we bow in submission,
feeling that thou canst not err.

" I cannot describe my feelings, dear friend, while
perusing your account of that poor young orphan girl,
the victim of a seducer ! Base villain ! his com-
punctions, (if he has any feeling,) must be terrible;
surely he must remember that solemn menace of holy
writ, ' Vengeance is mine : I will repay, saith the Lord.'
May he repent of all his wickedness, so that he may not
lose his soul. You ask me if it is not in my power to
afford that poor wronged one protection. Oh, gladly
would I answer in the affirmative, but such is our situa-
tion here that it would be impossible. My husband
gains only a support by the business in which he is
eno'ao^ed, and to do even that has to devote all his time.
Still I would share my little cheerfully with the unfor-
tunate ; but there are, (as you know,) claims against us
which ought to be liquidated. All, therefore, which by
the strictest economy we can save must be applied to
these. We must be just ere we can be generous. I am
sure you will believe me when I say that nothing would

136 BioGRArnY of mrs. lydia b. bacox.

give me more pleasure than to afford tliis poor girl an
asylum, could I comUtcntly do it. Our limited circum-
stances, as far as we ourselves are concerned, never
trouble me, for we learned while in the army to make a
little suffice. But when called upon to assist others then
I feel their pressure. However, it is not for me to say
who shall he the Lord's almoners. * The silver and gold
is his,' ' the hearts of all are in his hands ' ; if there he
a willing heart it is accepted ' according to that a man
hath, and not according to that which he hath not.'' This
is my consolation.

" You will see by the date of this letter that I am
visiting the city. My sister has taken a journey to the
South, accompanied by her husband and eldest son.
Knowing that she would not like to leave her younger
children without some person more suitable than the
servants to look after them, I offered my poor services.
Mr. Bacon with his usual disinterestedness consentingc
to my absence. So liere I am, and mother to four
childreu. The youngest is but two ^^ears, and a very
lovely, docile little creature. But my time is limited,
and I must bid you adieu. Eeserving a corner of the
paper for a few lines to your little Harriet, I remain as
ever

" Your affectionate friend and sister in Christ,

" L. Bacon."

'' To Miss Harriet : — I was delighted, my sweet little
H., when 'Uncle Bacon,' — his countenance beaming
with pleasure, — presented me vrith a letter horn you.
I thank you for it, and hope to be often thus favored-
I am glad that you have learned to write. It is a great

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 137

comfort, (and no small accomplislimcnt also,) to be able
to correspond with one's friends. I often think of you,
dear child, and wish much to see you. Can you not
persuade your dear father and mother to bring you to
visit me. I am sorry you must part with your only
sister, but hope the separation will not be final. I want
to ask if you, my dear H., have yet learned to trust the
blessed Saviour ? I hope that you have ; you are not
too young to give him your heart. This is very pleasing
to him who while on earth took little children in his
arms and blessed them and said, ' Suffer the little
children to come unto me.' How is Ann B.? I hope
she has accepted this gracious invitation of the loving
Saviour. Give her my kindest love, and tell her I
often think of her. Sweet child ! she was one of my
best Sabbath scholars. I well remember how earnestly
and affectionately she used to listen to my instructions.
How is Clarissa G.? and the little Butterfields — how are
they ? Please, dear Harriet, give them my love, and
remember me to all who care enough about me to
inquire for me.

" I am very much pleased to hear that the trees and
shrubbery have grown so beautifully. Thanking you
again for your pretty letter, I remain, dear child,

** Your affectionate,
'' Auntie Bacon."

To Mrs. E. C. B .

'' Sandivieh, Nov. dth, 1836.
" My ever dear Elizabeth : — Your favor of April 2Gtli
was read with the warmest interest. I then fully
intended to have answered it immediately ; but a desire
12*

138 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

for a more convenieiifc season has deferred it until tlie
present. And now in looking at the date of yours, I
find that six months have elapsed since its reception.
Accept my ackno^Yledgments, (though late,) for the
very interesting account of yourself and family.
Quickly was I transported to that dear family circle
where I have spent so many happy hours ; and I
enjoyed, as well as imagination could, the delightful
scene. I trust that your anticipations were realized in
the meeting of all its members. If such earthly re-
unions are sweet, what must be the bliss of Heaven !

"It does indeed rejoice my heart to hear that so
many of the dear Sabbath school children at the Harbor
have chosen the Lord for their portion. How en-
couraging for teachers and parents to sow the seed and
water it with tears of faith and love, trusting the word
of Him who has promised that ' they who sow in tears
shall reap in joy.' Oh, may those dear children wait
upon their divine Master with the sincere and earnest
inquiry, 'Lord, what wilt thou have us to do?'
Language will not convey all I feel when I think of
that Church and Sabbath school at the Harbor. I
sympathize with them in being so long deprived of a
regular pastor ; but trust by this time they are supplied.
They must not be unnecessarily particular; every liitle
village in the Union cannot expect a Dr. .

" We are happy to hear, dear E., that your husband's
health is better. But we regret to learn that it is still
not sufficiently improved to enable him to fill the
situation in his Master's vineyard which is so congenial
to his feelings, and for which we think him so abundant-
ly qualiaed. What a consolation is it to God's children

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 139

that tlicir Father in heaven knows what is best for
them, and that he will not suffer anj adversity to over-
take them that is not consistent with their higliest good
and his ov\'n glory. And though he may deny to your
heloved James the privilege of laboring where he thinks
it most desirable, yet he can make you both more useful
in another and a different sphere. May he give to each
of you that submissive spirit which will enable you to
say, ' Thy will be done.'

'* I learn, (by your husband's postscript to your last,)
that you have another immortal soul committed to your
care to train for eternity. So your duties increase.
Oh, may yon be abundantly qualified and aided in
discharging them. I know that you realize in the
fullest sense your accountability to God in this important
trust. Parents have many helps in the present day —
so many excellent books are being T\Titten for their
benefit. There are the Abbots' works, the Mother's
Magazine, and many others. But after all the Bible,
the blessed Bible, is the book to which we should resort in
preference to all others. May you, dear E., be enabled
to train your little ones in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord, and experience the joy of seeing them early
consecrate themselves to Him to whom you and their
dear father have already devoted them. How pleasing
it must be to your own dear parents to see so many of
their beloved ones walkino; in the straio;ht and narrow
path I May they soon have the satisfaction of knov.ing
that they are all embraced in the household of faith,
and look forward with joy to the time when they shall
all be gathered — a whole family — in heaven. You did
not mention Elisha, Harriet and Edgar. Dear children !

140 CIOGRAPnY OF MUS. LYDIA B. BACON.

I remember tliem well ; do tell me all about tbem
wben you write again. I bope it may be so ordered
tbat M. may abide at tbe Harbor. Tbey surely need
efficient members in tbat cburcb, and to wbom can tbey
look if not to tbose tvJio have been fostered in its bosom?

" Dear E., do write me soon, and I will try not to be
so tardy in replying. Tell me every tbing about
yourselves and friends wbicb you sball see fit to com-
municate to one wbo will ever feel tbe deepest interest
in you all Do not forget to mention your own dear
little ones ; many cbanges may bave taken place since
tbe date of your last. However diversified your lot
may be, let your faitli in tbe blessed Eedeemer be
uncbanging. Keep constantly in mind bis own as-
surance, ' in tbe world ye sball bave tribulation ; but
be of good cbeer, I bave overcome tbe world.' Yes,
tbis life is a tborny patb, notwitbstanding tbe fruits
and flowers wbicb a kind Providence bas scattered along
its banks. But bow deligbtful tbe tbougbt tbat a time
is coming wben tbose wbo love God sball enjoy tbat
eternal life in liis presence and kingdom wbere neitber
sin or sorrow sball mar tbeir peace forever.

"Ere I close I wisb to inquire after some of my old
friends at tbe Harbor. Dear sister Harriet B., Mrs. C,
Mrs. W., Mrs. D., &c.; it is a great wbile since tbey
have written me, and it would give me great pleasure
to bear from tbem. Do remember me to tbem, and to
all otbers wbo tbink me wortb inquiring after. My
love to your dear grandmotber and parents and tbe
cbildren, in wbicb my dear Josiab beartily joins. Give
my kindest regards to your good busband, and kiss tbe
dear babes for us. Our interest in cMldren is not in the

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 141

least abated. A kind Providence still retains us in our
places in tlie SaLbatli school here, although my health
does not permit such uninterrupted attendance as at
Sackett's. What a privilege to be allovrcd to labor so
long in this blessed cause. Pray for us, dear child, that
while God gives us health we may ever have a luilling
heart to do what we can for him. My dear mother
enjoys unusual health for one of her age, and desires
her kind regards to you all. With a strict injunction
that you write soon, I remain,

" Yours in Christian bonds,

'' L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. H. B.

" Sandivlch, Fth. 28th, 1837.
** Prompted by an earnest desire to hear once more
from my ever dear sister Harriet, I have taken my pen
to give you positive evidence that J have not forgotten
you. In this way I hope to elicit a similar expression
of remembrance from yourself. I have endeavored in
every possible v^ay to account for your long silence.
Prone always to look upon the bright side, I cannot
persuade myself that you have ceased to think of one
who still cherishes the warmest affection for the friend
with Avhom she has passed so many happy hours. With
your image, my loved Harriet, memory associates some
of the most interesting occurrences of my life, and could
I think this communication would be received with
indifference I would lay down my pen at once. No ! I
will still flatter myself with the pleasing thought that
you love me, until you have had time sufficient after
the reception of this to prove my idea true or false.

142 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

" I learned hj John E that you were superin-
tendent of the female department of that beloved
Sahbath school. This I was rejoiced to hear, as I know
your love for the cause of your divine Master, and your
zeal and perseverance in every good Avork. May you
bo amply rewarded for your labor of love to the lambs
of the flock. Often when teaching my own class here
do I think of Sackett's, and in imagination see you
occupying the same place there which your unworthy
friend once filled. The dear youth with whom I there
met weekly in the house of God are often in my
thoughts, and ever have a place in my prayers. Where
are they all now? I have from time to time been
cheered by the pleasing intelligence that some of those
dear ones have been gathered into the fold of Christ.
Oh, that I could hear it of all ! Eight years have
passed in rapid succession since, with heartfelt sorrow,
we separated from you and your dear family. I have
endeavored since to set more loosely by the things of
this world, and have not formed such strong local
attachments as in the earlier part of my life. We are
very pleasantly, (though humbly,) situated. Our
lieavenly Father has been most kind in supplying us
with the comforts of life, and has given us health,
(generally,) to enjoy them, together with a disposition
to fill usefully the sphere which his Providence as-
signed us.

" We have been hoping to see you this way for a long-
time. It would give my dear Josiah and myself the
greatest pleasure to welcome you with 'your husband
and our dear Harriet to our home in Sandwich. Shall
you not travel this summer? and will you not come

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 143

tliis way? Does your honored motlier still live? or
have you no longer to watch her wasting form? How
is your own health? and how are your hushand,
Harriet, Frances and her family, and dear Lucy's little
ones? Is Mrs. Gray still living? Where are Mr.

C 's family ? We heard that he was dead, and if I

knew where to direct a letter, I should write to Mrs. C.
I have given you a long list of questions, but these
friends all live in my remembrance, and I am anxious
to know of their welfare. So if you write me, be
particular to tell me about them alL My dear mother
sends love to you. She enjoys remarkable health for

her age. She still lives with my sister T , whose

eldest child, a daughter, is we fear in a fatal decline.
She has been sick for a year past, and daily grows
weaker. It is sad to see such a young creature, (just
eighteen.) sinking to an earl}^ grave ; but we trust she
is prepared for the change.

" What an eventful period we live in ! How many
themes agitate the public mind. What does your good
husband think of the slavery question and popery?
The latter seems to be making fearful strides in our
happy land. Should not Protestant Christians soon
awake and make commensurate efforts, we shall see
Eomanism gain the ascendancy. What an awful result
to contemplate ! Some few seem to be aware of the
impending danger, and books and papers are sent forth
to arouse the people to action on this important subject.
I fondly hope that this country, hitherto so blessed of
God, may not become a prey to * the man of sin.'
Alas ! how soon would liberty become a name and truth

144 EIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

a b}-e-word, and our lioly religion ' the form of godli-
ness ' witliout ' the 230wer.'

" I think were we in Sackett^s now, our husbands
would find more topics than ever for reading and con-
versation. Josiah loves to read the papers as well as
ever, but has little time for this favorite amusement.
He is confined to his business until eight in the evening.
When he does read to me I am often reminded of the
time when he used to read so much with your husband.
I suppose the latter has his dear daughter to read to him
now. Thus will she amply repay him for all the care
with which he used to instruct Iier in this invaluable art.
Well do I remember seeing him thus engaged with his
little Harriet. But oh, the fiight of time ! She is no
longer our little Harriet, but a young lady — Miss B.
I suppose, really, her Auntie Bacon would hardly know
her were she to meet her now. Does she resemble you ?
Kiss her for me, dear sister, with just such a caress as /
used to give her when vrith childish vivacity she ran to
meet me as soon as I turned the corner in sight of your
house. Oh, how well I remember her beaming looks and
joyous shout of welcome. I should, be very happy to
have a letter from her. Take each of you a large
sheet of paper, and give me an account of yourselves
and of other friends wliom I dearly love.

" I hope to hoar that your pulpit is well and perma-
nently filled. When I last heard, you were without a
pastor. Husband unites with me in cordial regards to
yourself and husband and Harriet, and to grandma
also, if she is in the land of the living.

*' Yours fondly,
"L. Bacon.''

BIOaRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 145

To tlie same.

" SanchvicTi, Nov. dth, 1837.

*' Being- entirely alone this evening, while waiting my
hushantUs return from his business, I hasten to improve
the time in writing to my beloved Harriet. Oh, could
I just step in to your dear home and pass the hour in
social converse, methinks it would quickly fly away.

" Talcott informed us that your beloved Frances is
no more ! Again are you bereaved of a darling child.
One after another have they been taken ; three of them
sustaining the interesting relation of waves and mothers,
and dear Harriet alone is left you. How mysterious
arc the ways of Providence ! But you mourn not as
those without hope. They all died in faith, and are
now, we trust, rejoicing ' with joy unspeakable and full
of glory.' Your dear aged mother too is gone, and is
now, we believe in the presence of that Saviour ' whom
not having seen, she loved.' Oh, how many of our dear
ones are gone before us. Among them our precious
Susan Gallagher and Elizabeth Boynton : though long
separated on earth, they have doubtless met in the blest
regions above. We had fondly hoped to see them again
in the flesh ; but he who knows the end from the
beginning willed it otherwise. IMay the remembrance
of their virtues stimulate us to copy their bright
example, and to be followers of them even as they
also were of Christ. We shall meet them no more
here ; but if faithful to our trust, when Christ has no
more for us to do or to suff'er on earth, we shall share
with them in ' that inheritance which is pure and un-
defiled, and fadeth not away.' Mrs. Boynton wrote me
that Elizabeth died very suddenly with an aftection of
13

146 BIOGRAPHY or MRS. LTDIA B. BAC0:M.

the heart just as she was on the eve of marriage. We
were very much pleased with seeing Talcott ; what a
lovely young man he appears to he. I should think his
dear motlicr ought to feel very grateful that her
endeavors to train up her children in the right way
have heen so successful. All pious parents are not thus
blessed. Yet, I suppose if we believe the promises, we
must allow that the failure is not in God. ' He is not
a man that he should lie.' ' Hath he said and will he
not do it? hath he spoken, and will he not make.it

good?' T looks very much like his dear mother;

I could almost fancy myself conversing with her while
talking to him. It was very kind of him to take so
much pains to visit us. And now, ????/ dea?- naiiglity
Harriet, I want to cliide you that you should come so
near us as Springfield and return without visiting us.
Tell your dear husband I feel so grieved about it that I
know not what to say. I hope you will never be guilty
of such a thing again. It is remarkably 'pleasant here
from the middle of May till October ; but the most
beautiful season is from the first of June until the
middle of July. We will hope yet to have the pleasure
of seeing you all here if you and we should live. I am
glad to learn that you received the Magazine with the
account of little Catharine. At the time of her death
some of her friends suggested my writing something
respecting her, but I did not then feel like doing it.
Since I came to this place I often thought of her, and
one Sabbath evening, after being with my class and
feeling unusually interested in them, the story of
Catharine recurred to me, and I resolved to write it for
their perusal. When it was done my friends persuaded

BIOGRAPHY OF MFvS. LYDIA B. BACON. 147

me to liavo it printed. It is so imperfectly written that
I ought not to have consented ; hut inasmuch as it was
in print, I concluded to send you a copy, knowing that
you would feel deeply interested in the narrative. I
regret that I have not a copy to send Mrs. C, as she
requests ; I will try to procure one when I go to the city.
" I hope you will write me soon and tell me the
particulars respecting Frances' death. Where are her

dear children ? Eememher us to W ; it is a most

afflictive stroke to have the wife of his youth taken
from him, and in so sudden a manner. The daughter

of my sister T , whom I mentioned as sick in my

last letter, died the first of April. She was the only
daughter, and her death is a severe affliction to her
widowed mother, to whom she was a great comfort.
She was a pleasant, and we trust a pious child. My
sister is very lonely ; every thing reminds lis of the dear
departed. You know well these feelings. May afflic-
tions he sanctified to you and to ns. Eememher my
hushand and self to your good J., to Harriet, and to
all inquiring friends.

" Yours in love and sympathy,

*' L. Bacox."

The winter of 1838-9 Mrs. Bacon spent very pleas-
antly in Boston, her hushand having heen chosen
Eepresentative to the State Legislature. In the city
she, of course, enjoyed many privileges from which the
more retired situation of Sandwich deharred her. Some
of these are referred to in the following letter to Mrs.
Boyd.

148 BIOGRAPHY OF IMRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

To Mrs. E. C. B.

^^ SandivicJi, June GtJi, 1839.
" My dear Elizabeth: — Having just received intelli-
gence that several vessels will sail for the Sandwich
Islands in six weeks from this date, I hasten to impart
the information agreeably to your request. I hope you
will he ready to avail yourself of the opportunity, if
you have not already sent via New York. I have been
hoping to hear from my dear young friends before this,
but conclude your time must be more usefully or
agreeably employed. I need not repeat that it will
always add much to my happiness to receive letters
from you. It is now six months since I have had any
tidings from you, and I begin to feel anxious to hear of
your welfare. During our sojourn in Boston last
winter, we had several delightful interviews with our
mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. McLcUan. You and your
dear husband were not forgotten. They expressed
much satisfaction that they had enjoyed the privilege of
seeing you both, and requested to be remembered to
you with much affection. We enjoyed much while in
the city, being favored with health and opportunity to
attend many interesting meetings. Among those from
which we derived great pleasure and instruction were
the lectures on the Evidences of Christianity, by the
Ecv. Mr. Aiken, IMr. Blagden, Mr. Winslow and Mr.
Towno. The latter is a young man, but highly gifted,
and appears very much devoted to the cause of his divine
blaster. I often thought of you while listening to
them, and wished that you could enjoy them with me.
" AVe retui'ned to Sandwich about the middle of April.
Although we had enjoyed much in our winter sojourn,

BIOGKAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 149

yet WG were glad to return once more to the peace and
quiet of our village home. It was pleasant to resume
the duties of our station, which had been for a time
suspended ; it was pleasant to meet our heloved
Sabbath school and praying circle, and to receive in-
struction again from our own pastor. While in Boston
I attended a Sabbath school at the House of Correction,
which you visited while here. The school was composed
of those degraded creatures whom we saw in iJie ivorh-
room. In that room the school was held, and there I
taught a class. Oh, how different were they from those
comparatively innocent being s whom I had been ac-
customed to teach. Yet the latter as truly need a Me-
diator as the former, for the most moral as well as the
most vile must be washed in atoning blood and become
new creatures in Christ Jesus or they can never be
saved.

*' In my class were eight females, some of them
about my own age, and others more advanced in life.
All were brought to this house in consequence of in-
dulging too freely in ardent spirits. Under its influ-
ence they had been led to commit crimes which must
be expiated by a residence in those gloomy cells, which
I presume you will well remember. I was pleased to
see them solemn and attentive, and some of them well
acquainted with their Bible. The last Sabbath I was
there being the anniversary, we assembled in the chapel
after school to join in further religious exercises and to
hear the report, which was exceedingly interesting.
Both male and female prisoners were present on this oc-
casion, though separated from each other by a partition
made high enough for that purpose. The seat which I
13*

150 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

occupied gave me a partial view of tlie men, and an
entire one of the women. It was doiiMy painful to see
among them so many youthful faces. The sight was to
me solemn and affecting. Oh, my friend, what has not
sin wrought ! What an exhibition here of its conse-
quences, and what cause of gratitude that we have not
"been left to fill such a destiny. I think if ever I felt
both humble and grateful, it was while endeavoring to
impart instruction to those poor women. Often would
the language of Scripture rise to my mind, * Who
madeth thee to differ ? and what hast thou which thou
didst not receive ?'

'' What cheering communications the last Herald
contained from the Sandwich Islands. We have re-
ceived letters from our friends who are on the way there.
They had got round the Cape, were in good spirits, and
had been favored with good weather most of the time.
We shall soon expect to hear of them from the Islands.
And now, my beloved E., let me hear from you and
yours. With much love,

" Yours truly,

*' L. Bacon."

To Mrs. H. B .

*' Sandwich, May Gth, 1840.
" I thank you a thousand times, my precious sister
Harriet, for your very interesting letter, which I
received as a i^roof that you had not forgotten mo.
I could not believe that you had, although your long
silence was rather ominous. I cannot tell you of the
emotions which thrilled my heart on reading it. Ee-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 151

inembrances of scenes of past enjoyment; recollections
of the fondly loved, the early lost ?

'' Oh, how often do I think of dear Mrs. Hooker.
How delightful were the hours of our early acquaintance.
Hand in hand we partook of the same joys and sorrows,
and united with others to henefit the needy around us.
She had a large heart, and her early exit was a severe
loss, not only to her family and friends, hut to the poor
and the suffering. Dear Lucy too I loved, and Frances.
Tell grandpa that I remember Prances as well as if I
saw her hut yesterday. She was one of the most
interesting children I ever knew ; if her little daughter
is like her she cannot help filling a large place in your
hearts. I should love dearly to see you all, and thank
you for your kind invitation to come to the Harbor.
But such indulgences are not for us at present ; it
seems that Providence does not intend we shall have
more of this world than what we are commanded to
pray for — our daily bread. Yet for this I desire to be
truly thankful, remembering the admonition of an
apostle, ' Having food and raiment, let us be therewith
content.'

" You m_ust come and see us. Cape Cod is a beau-
tiful place, especially in summer. We are now living
with my mother and sister Abby, or rather they are
boarding with us. Mother is very well for a person so
advanced in years. She is now seventy-eight, and
retains all her senses remffi'kably except her hearing.
My sister has lost her daughter and her two boys, and
was very lonely ; so we moved into their house last
July, and as I said they board with us. The house is
small, but very pleasant, and we have a bed for a friend.

152 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

It is a great pleasure to help sraooth tlie declining years
of a beloved mother: this you, my dear H., know by
experience. I often think of yours, (now a saint in
glory,) when I look at mine. She is highly favored in
retaining such good health, and I trust she may long
be spared to us.

'' It gives me great pleasure to hear so good an
account of my ' pet.' I hope she may continue to be
all that your fond hearts can desire. From some ex-
pressions in her letter to me some time since, and
subsequently from yourself, I was led to suppose she
had given her heart to the Saviour. Is this really the
case ? Tell her religion is the one thing needful, and
most lovely when it adorns the brow of youth. I look
around on our Sabbath scliool here, and often groan in
spirit at seeing so little fruit from our labors. But that
sweet verse often meets my eye and cheers my heart,

' Though seed lie buried long in dust,
It shan't deceive our hope,'

and with fresh alacrity I try to pursue the path of duty.
Have you a Maternal Association? We think them
very useful and interesting. Our ordinary meetings
are held once a month, and are spent in useful reading
and in prayer for our children. Once a quarter our
minister meets with them, and instructs them from the
Assembly's Catechism. •The children recite, after
which he questions and explains to them.

" One of the public prints has recently mentioned a
revival of religion at Sackett's Harbor. This rejoiced
our hearts, for though we are not favored vvith one here

BIOGRAPHY OF MUS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 153

we are glad to hear of tlie triumphs of the cross any
where, and especially at our beloved Sackett's. It is
now a long time since we have heard the anxious
inquiry, ' What shall T do to be saved ?^ Some of our
church are feeling quite strongly on the subject. God
is pouring out his spirit all over the land, and I hope
we shall not he passed by. My prayer is, * 0, Lord, re-
vive thy work.'

" My interview with our former beloved pastor and
liis precious wife was like meeting an 'oasis' in the
desert. I enjoyed it exceedingly. Elizabeth, you
know, was one of ony cJiildren, and to see her, (as far as
I could judge,) all that I expected and desired was very
gratifying. She has many talents — of such much will
be required. I pray that she may have grace given her
to improve them an hundred fold. I am glad to hear
that your dear Harriet is fond of music. Does she love
jioivers too ? I think a taste for these should go
together. I wish she would write me a long letter, and
let me know her tastes, occupations and pleasures. If
she cultivates flowers, I have some beautiful exotics I
should like to show her. I would recommend the culti-
vation of flowers to all young persons. It is a never-
failino' source of innocent oTatification, and tends to lift
the heart and mind to the great Author of nature and
of being, who has spread this earth with so many
beauties for the comfort and pleasure of his creatures.
¥/hile they think of him thus as tlie God of creation,
will they not also remember that tlie most precious of
his gifts to man is an atonivg Saviour, and believing in
Bim be led to worship the God of redemption.

154 BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

'* My linsbaiid is gone to Baltimore as a delegate
from the Whig Association here, (of which he is
president,) to the Whig Convention to he held at that
place. He was not well at all, and I hope the journey
will be of use to him. He read your letter with much
interest, and I may venture to send his love, though he
is not present. AYhat does your good husband think of
the times ? I refer especially to the Sandwich Islands,
and the conduct of the Freyicli frigate there. My sister
J. has a son with his wife there. Through them I
frequently hear of our dear Mrs. J. Mother and sister
desire their love to you. With a great deal of the
same from myself to you all, I am,

'' Your afiectionate,

" L. B. Bacon.''

The time of Mrs. Bacon's sojourn at Sandwich now
drew to a close. Early in the spriug of 1841 her
husband received an appointment as steward of the
United States Marine Hospital at Chelsea. This was
understood to be through the influence of General Har-
rison, whose personal recollections of Captain Bacon, as
he knew him in the army, and his convictions of his
fitness for the situation prompted him to this act of
friendship. From this position he was removed only by
death. It has been truly said of him since his decease,
" Of his self-denying, persevering assiduity, of his un-
remitting fidelity to every interest connected with that
institution hnoiu all men. For him to have remained
through two administrations v.ith which he had no
political affinities is the highest eulogium upon his
capacities and faithfulness, and is no less honorable to

EIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDIA L. BACOX. 155

those who for the public good suffered him to remain.
The haying out of the grounds around the Hospital,
their care and cultivation, the fruit trees, vines and
flowers which are now so flourishing all bespeak his
good taste, as well as his kind feelings towards those
for w^hose welfare this asylum was established.' It is
added by his pastor whose words I have just quoted,
* He was active and forward in promoting the formation
of this church, and was chosen one of its first deacons,
which office he held until his death, never failing to be
present at CA^cry communion season until the last, when
disease had laid him aside.' Mrs. B's correspondence
furnishes so good a history of their residence in Chelsea
that any other detail seems superfluous. The following
letter announces her removal.

To Mrs. H. B .

L, 1
Chelsea, June IGth, 1841. J

" My dear sister Harriet must excuse my not answer-
ing her precious letter ere this. When I received it we
were in an unsettled state, not knowing wdiat our desti-
nation vrould be. So I delay^ed writing till something
more decisive should be known. On the first of May-
last my husband was appointed steward of this institu-
tion. It is a- place provided by the United States Gov-
ernment for invalid sailors. Here they may be restored
to health, or lay their bones in its cemetery. Few die,
however, compared with tlie number who are restored to
health. It is an excellent institution, and we find our
situation more agreeable than we had dared to hope.
For although my temperament, as you well know, is

156 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

sangiiino, I have learned by experience and tlie word
of God not 'to anticipate too mucli, or place dependence
on any thing below.

*' Bnt methinks I hoar you say, * Is it possible that
Lydia Bacon has left her mother again?' Yes, my
friend, I have separated from that dear aged parent
once more. It cost me much, but my duty and affection
to my husband was paramount to all other considei-a-
tions. And besides my mother is as pleasantly situated
as possible, with my brother very near her, and my sister

S also. We are but sixty miles distant, and can

visit her often, or should it be necessary we could have
her with us. But she resides in her own house with
every comfort she needs or desires, enjoying a green old
age. Although in her eightieth year, she is still
surprisingly active, and her faculties are as bright as
ever. She cuts and makes her own dresses also ; true,
they are made after her own fashion, but they look very
pretty, and it pleases her to do it. It was hard for her
to part with us ; but she knew it was best, and I think 3^ou
will say so too when you hear the particulars.

^' The situation which my husband filled in the glass
works at Sandwich, though very respectable and
responsible, was at the same time most laborious and
confining. And it only afforded us a living, even wdien
the business was good. But for a few years past the
business during a part of the time was so dull that the
emolument received for unremitting service, with our
utmost economy, only sufficed for a bare subsistence.
For a time, indeed, the factory stopped entirely, and had
not Providence provided for us by opening the way for
Josiah to go to the Legislature, we should have been

BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 157

wholly witliout support. His licaltli too was suffering,
and we could see no way of improving our coiidition.
if we remaiued at Sandwich. True, we were very much
attached to the people and the place ; it is one of the
loveliest viUages that the sun ever shone upon. But
my hushand came to the conclusion that it was his duty
to try to do something towards bettering his condition.
Learning that this post would soon he vacant, hj
applied for it, and, although there were a host of
applicants, succeeded in obtaining it. So here Ave are,
he as steward and myself as matron of this establish-
ment.

** We have a family varying from sixty to ninety, in-
cluding help. The latter have to be hired, as the
sailors leave as soon as they are convalescent, unless
occasionally one vv^ill stay on wages instead of going to
sea again. The salary is not large, but is much better
than that received by my husband for his former occu-
pation. Then the business is much more congenial to
his feelings, giving him a fine scope for the' exercise of
those benevolent traits of character which his friends
have always ascribed to him. The duties of our station
are more pleasant and not so laborious as in Sandwich.
Much physical strength is not required of us, as there
are none but sick men to be taken care of, and the nursing
is done by suitable persons of their own sex. There are
only three females in the establishment besides myself:
these are two cooks and a laundress. My husband has
ample room in the neglected grounds belonging to the
place for the indulgence of his favorite pursuits, and I
have opportunity within the building for the exercise of
all the benevolence which I have the heart or the
14

158 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BAC02T.

strengtli to perform. So, taking all tilings into con-
sideration, it seems to bo just the place for us botli.
We bog of you to remember us in jour petitions at a
throne of grace, and do not forget also to praj for tlie
poor sick sailors. We have great demands upon our
sympathies. We are constantly coming in contact with
suffering ; there are all kinds of diseases ; the subjects
are of every age, from youth upward, and there is, of
course, great diversity of character. I trust that some
have left us healed both in body and mind". There are
several interesting cases here now. Some, if their
lives are spared, will, I hope, be useful to their fellow
men. We have religious services on each Sabbath
evening and on Thursday afternoon. On the Sabbath
day those who are able attend worship in either of the
evangelical societies, of which there are several in the
village. Our society, (the Orthodox,) is the smallest,
having just been started. There is, of course, every
thing to be done. Oh, how I want to go forward in the
establishment of a Sabbath school, female prayer-
meeting, &c., but my duties to my numerous family in
the Hospital forbid it for the present, as I have no time
to take a very active part beyond its limits. What is
duty in some situations ceases to be in others. Neither
do 1 feel able to trot about as I have done in years gone
by. I am now fifty-five, and although I enjoy tolerable
health, yet I cannot endure the fatigue that I formerly
did. Is it not, my dear friend, a most kind Providence
to place us where we can be very useful, (if we will,)
without extreme fatigue ? Is it not most kind that we
arc not laid by unable to work for the Lord ? Oh, for
the spirit of Jesus, our divine Master, to teach us our

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACON. 159

duty and cnaLle us faitlifully and cheerfully to perform
it with a single eye to his glory. May we so experience
the peace and blessedness of the gospel in our own
hearts that we may he able to cheer, counsel and
admonish those who need it.

" The local situation of this place, (Chelsea,) is beau-
tiful. It is across Charles Eiver, opposite Boston, with
which it is connected by a ferry. Steam ferry-boats go
and return every half hour. There is also a very
pleasant drive to the city through Charlestown. There
is a Naval Hospital in Chelsea, where sick and disabled
officers are taken care of. From our parlor windows we
have a beautiful view of our native city, the Navy
Yard at Charlestown, and Bunker's Hill with its proud
monument — all tending to produce associations in the
mind of a most interesting nature.

" We vrant you and your dear husband and daughter
to come and see us. We want to see your dear faces
once more in the flesh. AVe have good quarters and
comfortable living, found by Government it is true, but
as we serve them faithfully and have no family but our
two selves, I do not think it unjust that our friends
should visit us occasionally. My dear husband joins in
this request and in sending his love to you with mine.
With love to all who remember us at the Harbor, I
remain,

*' Yours faithfully,

" Lydia Bacon."

160 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO>^.

To Mrs. S , of Sandwich.

" Chelsea, September, 1841.

" Dear Sister: — I suppose that you are heginning to

think of going west. I hope you have had a

pleasant time. I shall he much disappointed if he does
not let us see him hefore he leaves Boston. How is
Mary^s health since her return? We derived much
pleasure from her visit, and hope that she enjoyed it
enough to make her wish to repeat it.

" Next week on Thursday, the Methodist meeting-
house here will he dedicated, and our society is invited
to attend. It is prohahle Mr. Mojffit will be here, and if
he does I shall expect him to come to me after the
dedication. The church is a nice, convenient building ;
Christians in that society are somewhat engaged since
the camp-meeting. Two of our sailors are to be
baptized and admitted to the church. Tell Mary, the
one with whom I had some conversation w^hen we were
cutting out sheets in the office, is one of them. He ap-
pears very wtII indeed. We have sixty-five patients
now ; some of them are very sick, and others appear to
be going to their long home. A number of them are
thoughtful, but they are so constantly coming and going
that we shall never know the result with regard to many
of them. At the meetino;s in the house those who are
able to attend are very solemn and attentive. It is an
affecting sight to see them, when we consider the worth
of the immortal soul, and the peculiar temptations to
which seamen are liable. Cut off, as they are while at
sea, from the sanctuary and the means of o-race, were
they not sick sometimes in port they would hardly find

BIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 161

time for reflection or instruction. I tell tliem it is a
mercy they are sick, for it gives tliem time and oppor-
tunity to care for their souls ; but, alas ! a sick bed is
after all a hard place to seek God and prepare for
heaven. Poor fellows ! some of them suffer a great
deal ; I pity and pray for them.

" Last Tuesday a sewing circle, or, (as ours is named,)
the Ladies' Benevolent Society, was formed from our
congregation. As no one here was found willing
to take the lead, and I was unanimously chosen to the
office of first directress, I felt compelled to accept it for
the present. In addition to this there will soon be a
prayer-meeting and Maternal Association ; so you see,
my dear sister, change of place has not lightened duty,

" Kev. Mr. Sogers, of Boston, Mr. Clark, of East
Boston, Mr. Laurie, (who is to be a missionary to the
Nestorians,) and our own dear minister, Mr. Langworthy,

were with us to tea at Mr. 's. These gentlemen

are all of the first order for piety, intelligence and
courtesy of manners.

'• In the evening we repaired to Slade's Hall, the place
where we meet for divine worship. After suitable
addresses by Mr. Kogers and Mr. Clark, we proceeded
to the formation of an Orthodox Church and Society in
this place. We had an interesting time both afternoon
and evening. It is very solemn to enter into covenant
relations vath God and our fellovr-Christians. I hope
and pray that the Church thus formed may increase
and bo productive of good to the cause of Zion.

" To-day has been a solemn day at the Hospital.
Two men have died, one at four in the morniDg, and
14*

162 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

the other at nine. The latter went very suddenly. He
had just said to his physician, as he was leaving the
room after making his morning call, * how much better
I am.^ But as the doctor reached the door the patient
fell back in his chair, dead ! His disease was an affec-
tion of the heart. • Tomorrow both the deceased will
be consigned to the tomb. We expect Eev. Mr. Taylor,
of Boston, to officiate.

*' Yesterday Mrs. B. and Mrs. S. spent the day wii;h
us. They appeared to enjoy every thing except the
sight of the large boilers of tea which was sending its

fumes all over the house. Mrs. B thinks I ought

not to allow the patients tea and coffee, believing it
wicked to drink any thing but cold water. I wish I had
no other sin to answer for than neglecting to convince
sailors of the wrong of drinking tea and coffee. If I
can persuade them not to drink rum I shall be satisfied.
Remember us affectionately to your dear family and
friends, and come and see us as soon as you can.

" Yours ever,

" Lydia Bacon."

To her Mother.

'' Qhehea, Jan. 17 th, 1842.
*' Dear Mother : — Our brother and sister made us a
flying visit, wdiich, though short, was very pleasant to
us. We w^ish they could have stayed longer. Sister
intends, should nothing prevent, to visit us when the
weather is warmer. I hope that she found her late
visit agreeable enough to induce her to come again as
she proposes. Tell lier the two sick men whom she saw
here have gone to their long home. Brother Harris

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 1G3

died very suddenly on Wednesday evening, and Storer,
whom we tlionglit dying Sabbatli evening, lived until
Tuesday morning. Both as we trust fell asleep in
Jesus.* Sabbath eveniug Storer sent for Josiah and
myself to visit him. We found him in the most delight-
ful state of mind, calm in view of death, his trust and
confidence in Christ firm and unwavering. His only
earthly care was a crippled mother whom he had
supported for several years. * He must now leave her
to the care of his heavenly Father.' Josiah prayed
with him, and then we bade him adieu, shaking hands
with him as if he was going a short journey. It was a
solemn scene. Being nearly midnight almost every
one was in bed in the house except those appointed to
watch with the sick. But there were some whose ears
were attentive to the conversation and the prayer, and
I hope the scene will not be lost on them. Storer was a
member of the Mariner's Church, (Mr. Lord's,) and
came here from the Sailor's Home. I had often con-
versed with and sent him some little extra comforts, for
which he seemed very grateful. Before he died he
blessed us for our kindness to him. Oh, mother ! it was
siveet to have the blessing of a dying sailor a child of
God, just ready to wing his flight to his everlasting
home. Josiah wrote a very kind letter to his poor
mother, from whom he received an answer this morning.
Though much afflicted, she seems resigned to the will
of God. His remains are to be sent home. Brother
Harris is the colored man whom you heard me speak of.
He had been ill a long time. On Wednesday morning
I passed some time with him. He was quite comfort-
able, though very feeble. He did not seem more so.

164 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

however, than for some time past. His faith and hope
were strong in the blessed Jesus. After conversing
awhile we spoke of sudden death. He remarked that
' he was willing Ms should be just as God saiv best ; but
he thought it ivould he a 2^^^ivil^g^ to give his dying
testimony to the truth of the religion of Jesus.' I left
him, bidding him and others in the room good morning,
never to see him more until the resurrection. Had I
known it was his last day on earth, I could not have
left him ; but so it proved. I went to a lecture in the
evening, and when I returned at nine o'clock his body
was in its coffin, and his happy spirit had gone to its
blessed mansion above. He had ruptured a blood vessel
while coughing, and was instantly suffocated. Happy
brother ! what a Sabbath of blessedness was the last to
thee. No more pain or sin to disturb thy enjoyment,
no troublesome cough to break the sweet notes of praise
to redeeming love. He was very fond of music, and
sung his sweet hymns as long as-he was able. You
don't know how much I miss him. I look with tears
upon his empty bed, from whence he used to look into
the grave-yard, and see those who were deposited there,
and think of his own coming mortality. But the grave
had no terrors for him.

*' There is quite an attention to religion in our
society. Meetings for prayers are held every morning
at six o'clock and every evening at seven. Our
minister and church are making great efforts to save
immortal souls. Some few are already rejoicing, others
are earnestly seeking the Saviour. It is a solemn
time. Husband and I went to a prayer-meeting this
morning at a neighbor's house. There were two rooms

EIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 165

full of professors of religion, and a few anxious sinners.
It was good to be there. We returned just as tlie sun
arose. Our minister, (Mr. Langworthy,) is very faithful
and devoted, and willing to spend and be spent that
souls may be saved. But he wants his church to work
with him and stay up his hands. * Oh,' said he, the
other day, when speaking to Christians, ' do any thing
else, but do not, oh, do not send your minister to the
battle alone P Eev. Mr. Towne is to preach to us this
evening. Good-bye, dear mother, and don't forget to
pray for

" Your unworthy,

'' Lydia."

To the same.

'^ February 12, 1S42.
''I suppose my dear mother and sisters would like a
few lines this morning, and indeed I feel like filling out
a sheet. My last would lead you to expect interesting
intelligence. We live at a wonderful period. The
Lord is doing a great work, not only in our midst but
all around us, and in our beloved native city. Christians
are beginning to feel their responsibility and the duty
of laboring for the salvation of perishing souls. They
see that they must not hide their talents, or be found
sleeping when Christ has said, ' watch and pray.' The
spirit of the Lord is evidently, in answer to prayer, fol-
lowing the impenitent to their hiding places, and
bringing them under the influence of the gospel. We
have in our society converts from the Unitarians and
Universalists, renouncing their errors and sitting at the
feet of a divine Eedeemer clothed and in their right

166 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

mind. Oh, what a privilege to be permitted to witness
another revival of religion ! Oh, what a slothful, un-
worthy servant I am. Tliis is a time to try tie hopes of
professors. How can we flatter ourselves that we are
the children of God and bought with the Saviour's
precious blood, if we are unwilling to labor in bringing
poor sinners into his kingdom ? Could we fully realize
for one moment the value of the never-dying soul, we
could not be so lukewarm, so careless. What infinite
mercy is that which spares us, and permits us to be co-
workers with God in such a glorious cause. Oh, that
we may henceforth ' redeem the time, knowing that now
it is high time to awake out of sleep.' I think much of
Sandwich, and pray that the Spirit may be poured out
in your midst. S. D. and Mrs. N. are feasting npon
the good time here ; perhaps they will get their hearts
warm and return to bless Sandwich. Oh, Christians
there must not live so stupid any longer. Think how
many young people are in your midst going on in folly
and vanity and stumbling over careless professors into
deep, irremediless ruin.

" 14:t7i. Last Saturday Mrs. F. came and spent the
Sabbath with us. I wished her to stay longer ; but her
mother is almost confined to her room, and she thought
it not best to leave her longer. Our meetings were
delightful to her. She appears to me more lovely than
ever, and bears her trouble with Christian fortitude.
She says she has long felt the desolations of Zion at
Sandwich, and thinks there must be something done.
Why cannot the sisters meet and unite their prayers for
their pastor and brethren, that God would pour out his
spirit on him and them. Don't wait to feel melted and

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 1G7

fervent, "but pray notv for tlie Holy Gliost to bc' sent
into your hearts. I have not the least doubt if you
will do this you will very soon see a different state of
things in your midst. Do try it, trusting in the
promises of God to those who seek him.

" Have you heard of Mr. D 's conversion ? I

should like to give you the particulars. He was brought
up in Portland, under Dr. Payson^s ministry, and had a
pious mother, but was not inclined at all to serious
things. Mr. Bacon and myself have both conversed
with him on the subject of religion at different times,
but not much since the commencement of the revival
here. About two weeks since, in general conversation,
he remarked that he had not shed a tear for many
months. ' Well,' said I, ' I hope soon to see you weeping
for your sins,' and looking very earnestly at him I
added, ' for I cannot, no I cannot give you up.' He im-
mediately left the room. A week passed away, and as
I sat in the morning prayer-meeting, the thought oc-
curred to mo, what if eve7\i/ one present were to bring one
impenitent friend to the meeting tomorrow? "Whom
shall Z invite? was the next question. My thoughts
instantly turned to 3fr. D., and I resolved to invite him.
When I returned home he ivas the first 'person I met, and
I gave him an earnest invitation, whicli he immediately
answered in the affirmative. Nothing more was said,
but at the appointed hour next morning Mr. D. was in
the parlor waiting for us. As we started for the place
of prayer, he observed that ^he didnU wish people to
think he was serious, for he was not.^ He then added,
* perhaps he had better not go, if it would lead any one
to think him serious, though if he were he should not

1G8 CIOGRAPnY OF MES. LYDIA B. BACON.

be asliamcd of it/ I replied tliat ' he need not feel
troubled about that ; I should doubtless be asked why
he came, but should say it was at my invitation.' So
he went with me. But although it was the Sabbath he
would not attend meeting through the day, but went
off to Boston to divert his mind by calling upon a friend.
He did not find him, and then went to Charlestown :
but here also he was disappointed, and so returned to

the Hospital. At our six o'clock meeting Capt. T

talked to the sailors in a most faithful manner. Mr.
D. was present, and evidently very uneasy : the spirit of
the Lord striving with him, and he trying to resist it.
After this meeting was over, Josiah and myself went to
our evening meeting at the Chapel. Mr. D. concluded to
go to the Methodist meeting, but resolved to deep through
the services, and for this purpos } leaned his head upon
the top of the pew. But it was all in vain ; his distress
of mind increased until he could bear it no lono-er. He
left the meeting, and resolved to seek my husband or
Mr. Langworthy, and make known his feelings. Seeing
the lights at our Chapel, he came directly there. Our
minister was addressing inquirers, after which with a
short prayer he dismissed the meeting. Mr. D. came
immediately to him and requested conversation. I was
standing by Mr. Langworthy, and could hardly believe
my eyes as I saw my friend shaking like an aspen leaf,
and his eyes bathed in tears. I left him with Mr. L.
and my husband, and retired thinking of the discij^les
of old who had been praying that Peter might be re-
leased from prison, and yet when he was actually
brought to their door could not believe it was he. Well
may our Lord say to his followers, ' Oh, ye of little

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 1G9

faith.' Mr. D. remained at the Chapel until ten
o'clock, while Mr. L, talked and prayed with him.
When he came home he followed Josiah to our room, and
coming up to me with streaming eyes said, ' Well, Mrs.
Bacon, you wished to see me weeping for sin ; you can
now be gratified, for I have clone nothing else the whole
evening.' I took his hand with joy, and we wept, con-
versed and prayed together. At length we left him in
the parlor to pray for himself. When I called for him
the next morning, at his request, to accompany me to
the prayer-meeting, I found him asleep in his chair,
with his Bible by his side. He awoke calm and peace-
ful, resolved to devote his remaining days to the service
of his rightful Lord. He appears well ; his views and
feelings are entirely changed ; he delights in religious
duties, and is anxious for the salvation of others. Oh !
the wonders of sovereign grace. AYell may we exclaim,
what hath God wrought ! I hope to give you more of
this good news in my next.

" Yours ever affectionately,

" Lydia Bacon."

To Mrs. T , at Sandwich.

"March 7th, 1842.
"My dear Sister: — The date of my letter reminds
me of the march of tiinc, whicli has fled so rapidly the
past year that I cannot realize what has become of it.
What an eventful year it has been to us both as a
nation and as individuals. Oh, that God would in
mercy give our rulers wisdom, that they might rule
this nation in the fear of God. Although much evil is
abroad in the world, yet how mercifully is the Lord
15

170 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

pouring out of the spirit in all parts of our beloved
country. Many who were engaged in open wickedness,
many wlio scoffed at the name and worship of God are
now sitting at the feet of Jesus, learning his blessed
precepts with hearts filled with love to their Saviour
and to all around. This is traly wonderful, and proves
the gospel to be indeed the power of God.

" Last Friday I was present in the city at one of Mr.

K 's prayer-meetings, where I heard a Mr. E. relate

his experience. One week ago he was an open infidel,
despising the Saviour and hating his followers. His
account of himself was thrilling in the extreme. The
sixth chapter of Micah and the tenth of Eomans were
the Scriptures that were blessed to his conversion. He
compared the love to Christ which filled his soul to an
overflowing river. Oh, what a change was this ; and
his is one of many such which are almost daily occurring.
Mr. E's impenitent brother was in the house while he
was relating his experience, and it would have melted
your heart to have seen and heard him plead with him
to love the Saviour. Every eye was wet, as in an agony
of emotion he besought him to flee from the wrath to
come. It was a solemn scene to look around and see
five or six hundred people leaving their worldly cares at
nine o'clock in the morning, in the midst of this gay
city, to attend to the concerns of tlieir souls. But when
I considered the importance of the work in which they
were engaged, the world's pursuits sunk into insignifi-
cance. We were transacting business for eternity, busi-
ness that angels were watching with intense interest,
while they waited to carry to lieaven the news that
sinners were repenting.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 171

" S. D. will give you many particulars which I have not
time to write. She stayed two days with us, and wo
often conversed together respecting the state of tilings
in Sandwich, for we have not lost our interest in that
sweet village. We often spoke of you, and wished you

were here to enjoy the meeting. She and Mrs. N

have returned to Sandwich, I trust with their lamps
trimmed and burning. I am sorry that your minister
is going away ; I fear you will not get another soon. I
must say that I never had a minister who in all things

suited me so exactly as our Mr. L , and hushand is

of the same opinion. Our little chapel is already full,
and the revival still continues. Yesterday vras our
communion, and a most interesting occasion. Several
were added to the church, which has been the case
every communion season since we organized. Our
morning prayer-meetings are still continued.

•' We are very sorry that mother did not get the
things we sent. Josiah bought them and gave them to
the carrier with many charges. Shall you not be able
to make us a visit soon ? ' The time of the singing of
birds has come,' and the spring is advancing. AVe have
much to enjoy, but I am sorry to add that my health is
poor. My side troubles me exceedingly, and aches so
badly that it hurts me to write. My appetite is good,
and I sleep well, but cannot eat much without hurting
me. I think something serious must be the matter,
and my iinpression is that I ought to be ready for a
sudden summons to another ivorld. Oh, that I may be
well prepared, then no matter how soon or how suddenly
my call shall come.

172 BIOaRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

" Mrs. H is in tlie city ; I shall expect lier to

make me a visit as slie promised ere slie returns. Mr.

D is well, and sends liis respects to you. He

appears well, and is a faithful worker in the good cause.
He has it in his power to do a great deal of good in
this house. Here is every variety of character, and
much wisdom as well as faithfulness is needed.

" Love to all friends. Let us hear from you soon.
Josiah sends much love to you and dear mother. Good-
bye, my dear sister.

'' Your affectionate,

" L. B. Bacon."

To Mrs. M. S., of Sandwich.

'' Chelsea, 3farch 26, 1842.
<' Through the goodness of God, my dear sister, I
am once more permitted to address you. Although it
is some time since I have written, think not it is be-
cause I love or think of you less than I ever did. No ;
my thoughts are often with you, and I can imagine how
happy you must be that your prayers are answered with
respect to Theodore. What a blessing that, ere he
he leaves his home entirely, he should have found the
pearl of great price. I trust he may bo a burning and
shining light, and that his example may allure others
to the Saviour. Especially do I hope that his two
young sisters may become interested in the great salva-
tion. I cannot think it possible that they will longer
withhold their hearts from Christ, who is calling after
them with infinite tenderness, waiting till ' his head is
wet with the dew, and his locks with the drops of the

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 173

morning.' Tell Anna that Caroline G. and Sophia M.
have both, I trust, consecrated their young affections to
GolI. I received a visit from them the other day ; they
are tine girls, and hid fair to he a blessing to their
friends and to the world. Oh, how delightful to see the
dear youth devoting themselves to the service of their
heavenly Father. AVe have a number of such here,
who have taken God at his word and have proved his
promise true : ' Those that seek me early shall find me.'
God's glorious work of saving souls is still progressing ^
both here and in the city. I understand there is quite
a work of grace also in Sandw^ich. I think S. D. will
enjoy it. After witnessing the good times here and in
the cit}^, she almost dreaded to return to S. But the
Lord has been better to her than her fears, and she is
now rejoicing in the manifestation of his grace at home.
May her dear brothers be partakers in this blessing.

Mr. J. M , who visited us awhile ago, informed us

of some very interesting cases. How is it with your
dear girls ? and how with Susan N.? I do hope and
pray that Mrs. N. may have the satisfaction of seeing
Tier only dangJiter become a follower of tlie Lord Jesus
Christ. I received a letter from Frances some time
since, and send it for your perusal. I shall endeavor to
have an answer ready to send by Theodore wdien he
goes.

" When will you come up and make us a good visit?
How is Mary's health ? I am anxious to hear. Give

my love to all the girls, including M a. Have any

of her children yet chosen the good part ? Do write
and tell me how it is with them. I hope all the dear
children in our families will become the children of
15*

174 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

God. Mr. Kirk is still preacliing in Boston ; lie is a
most excellent preacher in every sense of tlie word, but
no letter tlian our oivn dear minister after all. Mr. K.
preaches every evening in the week except Wednesday
and Friday.

" How is your health, dear sister ? and how are you

enjoying yourself? I often think how pleasant it would

he could you all come in and spend the day with me. I

hope if we live until summer we shall see you and

enjoy some delightful visits together, ^wilnuikeno

calculation upon any thing earthly in the future, not

knowing what a day may bring forth. Death comes so

sudden that we cannot call a moment ours but the

'present ; and that is gone ere we can seize it. How it

becomes us to be prepared for the final summons, come

when or how it may. Oh, for that faith in Christ

which is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence

of things not seen. This only can disarm death of its

sting and the grave of its victory. We have but few

patients in the house at present, and these not very

sick. One little boy only thirteen died last week of

typhus fever. He was very sick when he was brought

here, and we could only learn that his mother was dead

and his father far away. He had the best possible care ;

every one pitied him ; but we could not save him, for

his time had come. Poor little fellow ! He made his

grave among strangers, but was not buried umvejyt. I

often think when we are consigning the poor unknown

sailor to his last resting-place, how touching is that

eastern benediction, ' May you die among your kindred.'

** Give my love to old lady Fessenden and husband,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 175

and Mrs. M. Eemembcr me affectionately to Theodore,
and do write me soon.

" Yours ever truly,

'' Lydia B. Bacox.'^

To Mrs. H. B., of Sackett's Harbor.

'' Chelsea, April 2d, 1842.

" My very dear Sister Harriot : — I had indeed almost
begun to think that you were very sick, on account of
your long delay in answering my last letter. I had
just concluded to write to Mrs. G-. C, thinking I might
elicit an answer from her, and thus learn something of
yourself and other dear friends at the Harbor. I used
to hear most frequently from my dear Elizabeth B.; but
I should think it is now nearly two years since I have
received a letter from her. Indeed, she has written me
but once since she visited me in Boston. Oh, how sweet
is the remembrance of that visit. With my beloved
Sabbath scholar and her dear husband we walked
around my native city, visited the institutions at South
Boston and trod the solemn walks of Mount Auburn.
That visit was a sunny spot in my pilgrimage. What
can be the reason that Elizabeth does not write me ?
I cannot think she and her husband have forgotten me.
Eemember me most affectionately to them.

'' It was while pondering sadly upon the silence of
dear friends at the Harbor that I received your letter,
addressed in your husband^s well known hand. A
quick glance at the red seal, (giving no indications of
bereavement,) re-assured me, and breaking it open, I
soon eagerly devoured its contents. As I read, how did

176 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

scenes long past come up in review before me, mingled
witli the image of dear ones now inhabiting mansions
of eternal blessedness. My heart was grateful that you
were still spared and in the enjoyment of so many
blessings. I thank you for the joyful intelligence that
if our lives are spared we may expect a visit from you
this summer. Is it possible, dear Harriet, that you and
I may meet once more tliis side of the eternal world ?
May we once more mingle our prayers together, once
more recount together the mercies of our heavenly
Father, and go to the house of God again in company ?
I will dare to hope for it, although this as well as all
other events in the future must be left in liis hands who
seeth the end from the beginning, and will do all things
well. Should we be disappointed, oh may ' we meet at
Jesus' feet to part no more !'

" April QtJu My niece S — — B , who was born

in the same chamber whore your beloved Harriet first
saw the light, has been at Hartford this winter visiting
my husband's sister, who married a Baptist minister
and is settled in that place. After I learned that your

dear Harriet was there at school, I requested S to

call upon her and make her acquaintance. Last even-
ing S returned, and I hope to see her ere I close

this letter. We have now been in our present situation
nearly a year. We find it quite pleasant, although
surrounded by disease and death. For it is a satisfac-
tion to see the poor, sick, weary sailor find a place of
rest where the body and soul can both be cared for.
Many of our patients are without friends ; some of them
arc parentless; some have lost their mother while
young, and were cast into the wide world without any

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. EACOX. 177

preparation to meet the storms of vice and temptation
wliicli assail the inexperienced mariner. We have had
some most interesting cases of those who have died in
the triumphs of faith, hlessing ns and praising God
with their dying hrcath. Their memory is precious.
One was a colored hrother-' who was here four months
with consumption. He could not read, and was so
thankful to any one who would read the Bible and
other good books to him. I often went into his room
txud read and talked with him, and never returned
without feeling that I had been myself a learner. How
delightful was it to witness his resignation to death, and
his faith in his ' blessed Lord,' as he always called him.
AYhen I see you I will tell you more about him and
others.

"I am glad to hear that your society is doing so well.
The meeting-house must look much better for the new
fixtures. Oh, that dear meeting-house ! how many
happy hours have I passed in it. Aye, and in the little
school-house too. How many important events in my
experience are connected with it. There our little
church was first gathered and the Sabbath school
instituted, and there 2ve first covenanted to love and
serve God. There too we listened to our dear pastor,
Mr. Boyd, and other faithful servants of Christ, and
mutually labored and studied in that precious Bible
class.

" Since we have been here an Orthodox Congrega-
tional church and society have been formed, a chapel
built, a minister settled, a Sabbath school, female

* Brother Harris, spoken of in a former letter.

178 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

prayer-mooting and maternal association formed, and a
sewing circle established. All tins was accomplislied in
six months, and the sewing-circle has paid for the
carpet, lamps, table, chairs and curtains for the chapel.
We liave had a blessed revival of religion this winter
past ; it has been a glorioiis work both here and in the
city. Sandwich also is sharing in such a blessing, and
some of my own Sabbath scholars there are among the
subjects. I do not teach a class in our church here, as
I think my spare time on Sabbath ought to be employed
in teaching the poor colored sailors in the Hospital
They cannot even read for themselves, and they appear
grateful for such instruction as I can bestow. I feel
that my post is as truly 7nissionari/ ground as India or
Africa. But I hope you will be soon able to judge for
yourself. Husband joins me in love to you and your
husband, and bids me say that nothing could give him
more pleasure than to welcome you here. My dear
mother is comfortable in her eighty-first year.

'' April dth. I have seen my niece S B .

She found your dear Harriet, who boards with an
acquaintance of mine. S gives an interesting ac-
count of their interview, and of the school examination
at which she was present. Harriet has the name of a
first-rate scholar. Adieu, dear sister, till we meet.

*' Your own

" L. B. Bacon.'^

To her Mother.

" Chelsea, May 2d, 1842.
" ^ly dear Mother : — You say that you have written
me four letters to my one. It may be so, but just think

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 170

hoiv very sliort your letters are, while mine lire as long
as the Catecliisra. It troubles mj side to write as mucli
as I would like to, and I have many cares, and constant

interruptions. Mrs. H passed last week with me :

ere she left, E came ; Saturday Mr, H arrived,

and will take E home with him on Wednesday. It

is a fortniolit since she came, and it would be verv
pleasant for her and for us if she could stay a fortnight
longer ; but I suppose she is wanted at home. I had a
delightful visit from Mrs. H ; she is a charming wo-
man. Sarah T. passed a night with us while her aunt
was here.

" 3fay 3(7. Last Sabbath was a most interesting day
here. Seven were added to this church by letter, and
thirty-two by profession, many of whom received bap-
tism. A number of infants were also consecrated to
God by believing parents. It was a goodly sight to
see whole families dedicated to the Lord. A number of
quite young people were received to our watch and care.
Among them w^re two little girls : one nine and the
ether fourteen, who, although young, gave such good
evidence of a change of heart, and were so desirous to
be joined to God's professing people that it was thought
best to admit them. Our chapel was crowded on the
occasion. Susan N. and Frances W. came over to the
meeting. Both appeared deeply affected, although their
feelino-s doubtless were verv different. One seemed to
feel the necessity of repentance and faith ; the other
washed to show hers by an open profession of the Lord
Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Mr. Langworthy was very
plain and affectionate in his address to the impenitent
at the close of the services, and followed his remarks bv

180 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

commending them to God in fervent prayer I think I
never enjoyed a communion season better, never had
clearer views of the love and preciousness of Christ.
Surely all must be convinced of their individual duty to
love and serve him who has died to redeem them.

" One hundred and seventeen were added to Mr.
Towne's church in the city. Among them was a young
seaman, hopefully converted while in our Hospital,
o o o ^f\[Q are much obliged for the plants you sent
us. They are set out in fine order, and will be all the
better coming from your garden. We shall have a
beautiful garden this summer, Providence permitting.
Josiah is very much and j)leasantly engaged in cultiva-
ting the land belonging to the Hospital, of which there
are ten acres. Every thing tells, because there has
never been any improvement before. I received a long,

good letter from , and rejoice with her that

A has chosen that good part which shall never be

taken away from her. Oh, that H also would be-
come pious. Josiah sends love w^ith mine.

" Your affectionate child,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To the same.

" Chelsea, Jem. 2oth, 1843.
" My dear Mother : — It gives me great pleasure to
hear you are so comfortably situated. Truly, you can
say your last days are your best, and that not only in
temporal but in spiritual things. I trust you are grow-
ing in grace and in the knowledge of God your Saviour.
This, it seems to me, you have great facilities for doing.
True, you cannot hear the word of God preached, and

BIOGKAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 181

tliis, I know, is a great deprivation ; but you have the
Bible and many good books, with time and health to
read them ; a quiet and pleasant room, a good fire, and
leisure to indulge in your favorite pursuits ; and besides
can enjoy the society of your children. Let us praise
the Lord for all his goodness to you and to us. I saw
sister Anna last week and had a very pleasant but short
interview ; she has promised to pass a day with me
soon. Our church and society have commenced to build
a new meeting-house ; the little chapel which we built
a year ago is full to overflowing, and the numbers which
crowd to hear the gospel seem to cry ' Give us room.'
So we have moved the chapel to the rear of the lot,
where it will make us a very convenient vestry. Last
Sabbath we had no meeting of our own on account of
this removal, so we had to feed in our neighbors'
pastures. I went to the 3f&thodists, and was fed with
living bread.

" Brother made us a very short visit ; I did not like
it that we saw so little of him. And Hooker did not

call at all, which I much regretted. His Aunt

was hero, and wished much to see him. She spent two
nights with me, and I enjoyed her visit much. I love
to have her come ; slie seems like one of our own
family. She went to the sewing-circle with me, and
seemed to enjoy it. It was a pleasant and profitable
occasion ; while most of us plied the busy needle, others
took their turn in reading aloud, and our meeting was
closed with singing and prayer.

" Shall I give you a sketch of my engagements and
employments for one week ? I commence with Sabbath
16

182 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

morn. I atteiiclGcl public worship all clay ; visited and
instructed my colored bible-class at intermission, and at
six o'clock P. M. had public meeting in the Hospital for
the house and sailors, and any neighbors who might
drop in. These last are very interesting meetings, and
fully attended. I enjoy them very much, liaving often
wished that I could hear pious sailors talk and pray.
We have some very pious and gifted sea-captains.
Monday I visited the wards as usual ; at eleven o'clock
Mrs. Nye and Susan came to pass the day v/ith me. At
five P. M., just before they left for Boston, Miss D. came
to spend the night. In the evening the young men's
meeting was held here, on account of the disarrange-
ment of our chapel. Tuesday morning I made some

calls with S ; in the afternoon attended the female

prayer-meeting, and in the evening went to the con-
ference meeting. After this meeting was over, (it being
early,) I called upon a sick friend. Wednesday morn-
ing fixed S. D. off to the city ; at twelve Mrs. Hooker
came, and went with us in the afternoon to South Bos-
ton to attend Mr. Patton's ordination. Mr. Langworthy
accompanied us. Mrs. H. was delighted to go ; she
had been wishing for it, but never dreamed of having
so favorable an opportunity. The services were of a
high order : the weather was pleasant, and we went and
returned in safety, the Lord preserving us. Thursday
Mr. Cleveland came and held a meeting with the sailors,
at which we were present. Afterward we went to the
sewing-circle, where we spent the afternoon and evening.
Friday morning I accompanied Mrs. Hooker to Boston,
spent part of the day with sister Anna, and the remain-
der, until five o'clock, with Mrs. Hall. Eeturned in

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 183

season for the evening meeting, Avhicli, (on account of
the cliapcl not being in a condition to receive us,) was
held at our house. Our numbers have so increased that
this meeting was obliged to be divided into three bands,
and held at throe different places at the same hour.
Satuiday Mrs. Hall came from the city and dined with
me, after which I made several calls upon the sick and
the stranger, and, returning in season for tea, spent the
evening alone. Thus was my week employed, and this
is a fair sample of my occupations, except that I have
not added my daily visits to the wards, the superintend-
ence of my household concerns, the care of my own
rooms, and considerable sewino; and knittino\

" Methinks you will say, ' if Lydia accomplishes all
this, she surely need not complain of infirmity.' Well,
so it has been with me ever since I can remember:
always just enough to do, and enough of something, (I
know not what,) to impel me to do it. Tell sister Maria
that a friend of hers, by the name of Manning, is my
nearest neighbor. She is a very lovely woman, and has
some sweet children. Mr. M. I have not yet seen
They are professors of religion of the Baptist denomi-
nation. We have exchanged calls, and Mrs. M. spoke
very affectionately of sister. Maria will now have a
double inducement to visit in Chelsea. Has she heard
from tlie boys lately ? Please remember me with great
kindness when you write to them. My love to you all,
in which my dear husband heartily joins.

" Dear mother, let us praise the Lord for all his
goodness to such unworthy sinners as we are. And let
us endeavor to fill up all our time, whether longer or
shorter, in such a manner as to glorify him. Then

184 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

shall we liavc at last tlio unspeakable Messedness of
hearing him say, ' Well done, good and faithful servant ;
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.^ Good-bye.
" Your affectionate child,

" Lydia B. Bacon.^'

The following letter is one of congratulation over
the hopeful conversion of the dear child of one of her
Sackett's Harbor friends. This was her little pet, the
darlino; Hattie to whom she addressed some of her
earliest letters after leaving Sackett's.

To Mrs. H. B.

''Fehruarij Uth, 1843.

" My ever dear Sister Harriet : — I improve the first
leisure moment at my command to tell you how truly I
rejoice with you in the conversion of your darling child.
When your dear husband was here he told me that ' he
felt iliat Harriet ivould become a Christian.^ Is not our
God a covenant-keeping God? How merciful, how full
of compassion to his rebellious creatures. Blessed
Master ! give us faith to believe thy promises. Oh,
how can we ever doubt them when we realize the great-
ness of thy love in sending thine only Son to die for
sinners. * Lord, we believe : help thou our unbelief.'
May we henceforth take thee at thy word, and plead
thy promises with an earnestness which shall show the
reality and the strength of our faith.

" My dear friend, you have indeed been blessed in
having your child after a few years' absence return to
her home and immediately consecrate herself to her
Saviour. This was all you could desire ; truly your cup

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 185

runneth over with hlessings. And now may the little
ones, (dear Frances^ orphans,) be grafted in to the blessed
stock, and their infant voices join in hallelujahs ' to the
Lamb that was slain.' Thus shall you be an unbroken
family hereafter in the spirit land. Dear sister, shall
Z ever be permitted to join the blessed choir above?
Oh, for stronger evidence of my adoption ! May I find
it in that habitual holiness of heart and those fervent
desires for the salvation of others which can only
proceed from a renewed heart.

* There is a fountain filled v.ith blood,
Dra-vATi from Immanuel's veins.'

Oh, that I may be enabled constantly to apply to it
that all my sins may be washed away. It does rejoice
our hearts to hear the good news from the Harbor im-
parted in your letter. We feel and ever shall a deep
interest in that place. And this not only because it is
your residence and that of other dear friends, but that
there ive found an interest in the precious Saviour. Yes,
after living nearly thirty years estranged from God,
though enjoying his unnumbered blessings it was at the
Harbor we had our eyes opened to see our lost condition,
and grace given us to close in vvith the offers of salva-
tion so freely made in the gospel. Can we ever then
forget our spiritual birthplace ? Oh, no. We hope to
hear tliat you have a more powerful revival than ever
before known at the Harbor.

*' Our church has been favored again with a few

mercy drops ; may this be the precursor of a plentiful

shower of divine grace. Oar dear minister continues to

labor most faithfully. We have some anxious inquirers.

16*

186 BIOGRAPHY OF MR?. LYDIA B. BACOX.

Our cliapol is full to overflowing. We have commenced
a new meeting-liouse on the site of the chapel, that
havino' been removed to the rear of the lot, where it
will stand for a vestry. The new house wdll not be
done before next May or June.

" To-day we have consigned to the tomb one of our
patients, who died of consumption at the age of twenty-
five. His hope I fear was on a wrong foundation. He
was not vrilling to converse much with me, but I think
he was a Universalist.

" Our situation is in all respects about the same as
when you were here. We have had an abundance of
snow this winter, and it is now falling fast, giving ns a
prospect of sleighing into March. Our city abounds in
mental entertainments this winter: sermons, lectures,
concerts and sights. But we seldom go over to them,
having enough of both duties and recreations to occupy
us at home. My mother is very comfortable this
winter ; I received a letter from her a few days since,
written with the vivacity of twenty-five. She retains
her energies and faculties wonderfully. But I must
reserve the rest of my paper for a few lines to your
dear Harriet. May that peace which passeth all
understanding be your present and eternal portion, is
the prayer of '' Your grateful friend,

'* L. B. Bacox.^'

'* To Miss Harriet B :— It was indeed most deliivhtful.

my dear child, to hear from yourself that you have

given your youthful afl'cctions to the blessed Eedeemer.

. May you be a whole-hearted Christian. Seek to know

what duty is, and then perseveringly pursue it, without

BIOGRAPHY OF JIRS. LYDIA C. RACON. 187

turning to tlie right liand or to the h^ft. Especially
shape not your course hy that of other Ohrisiians, young
or old; hut let your divine Master he your pattern, and
follow others only as they follow Christ. This measuring
ourselves hy and among ourselves is not wise. There is
but one example in the universe which we may at all
times safely follow, hut one being whom under all
circumstances we may seek to please. My precious
child keep this ever in mind, and always ask yourself,
will my conduct please my God and Saviour, whom I
desire to honor or obey? You have the advantage over
many young converts in the counsel and example of
Christian parents, able to watch over you. Although
you are entwined with every fibre of their hearts, yet
they vrould not allow any thing reprehensible in your
conduct to pass unnoticed. I am persuaded they have
your fullest confidence, and well they merit it. Let it
be ever thus; keep your heart open to them on all
occasions : it will be a shield to you from the tempta-
tions of life of inestimable value. Be watchful, and
watch unto prayer. It is the experience of all
Christians that it requires great vratchfulness and con-
stant supplications to keep a heart pure, and a conscience
void of offence. Oh, may you be richly endued with
the Holy Spirit ; seek his blessed influences, and you
vvdll have a monitor that will not let you stray.

'' Your education, my dear 3^oung friend, has been
such as to prepare you for great usefulness. I shall
expect to hear that you are engaging in every good
word and work. May 3^ou in this be more eminent than
all who have preceded you at the Harbor. While
speaking thus my mind reverts to by-gone times, when

188 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

with your beloved niotlicr and sisters and other
Christian friends we endeavored in much weakness to
do something for the upbuilding of the Redeemer's
kingdom at the Harbor. Oh, that those who are now
commencing the holy warfare against the powers of
darkness may be more faithful than we were, and may
find their labors crowned with abundant success. The
great Head of the church can enable ' one to chase a
thousand, and two to put ten thousand to flight.' I
hope you will have the happiness to see your dear little
nephew and niece give the dew of their youth to the
friend of children. You will now feel, I hope, like
pointing them to him who when on earth took little
children in his arms and blessed them. Do not let the
little girl go from you. If I mistake not, you are
about the age of her mother at the time I left the
Harbor, and she is about as old as you then were. Well
do I remember the comfort which you then took with
that older sister ; and now, dear Harriet, you can be
the guide and companion of her little one, so early left
motherless. She will look to you for a safe example ;
oh, disappoint her not. May you be enabled in the
great day of accounts to say of her and of many others
redeemed by your influence, ' Lord, here am I and those
whom thou hast given me.' Accept my warmest wishes
and most fervent prayers that heaven's choicest bless-
ings may rest upon you. 'Uncle Bacon' desires his
kindest regards, and joins me in particular remem-
brances to you all, and to other friends at the Harbor.
Pray for Anna, that she also may feel the importance
of securing the one thing needful.

" Your aff'ectionate,

"L. B. Bacon."

Bioc.RApriY OF :mrs. lydia b. bacox. 189

To lior Mother.

''Avrjust lOtJi, 1843.

" I am sorry, my Jear mother, that you \yere disap-
pohited about seudiug the berries. Not howover so much
on mt/ own accouut as on yours, for we can get plenty of
them here. But you took so much trouble in procuring
them for us, tliat I regret your disappointment. We
had a delightful ride to Plymouth on our way home
from Sandwich. We arrived at P. just in season for
the boat. There was some swell upon the water, though
it was not rough, and I felt a little like being sick ; but
I lay down upon a settee and bore it as well as I could.
As soon as we got to Boston light I began to feel better
and roused myself to enjoy the scenery of Boston
harbor, which is always very attractive to me. Vessels
of various dimensions were coming and going, but we
passed them all, as we were proceeding at the rate of
twelve miles an hour and they six. We met the
British steamer, bound to Liverpool ; it looked like
some huge monster of the deep, smoking and hissing
as if in a violent rao-e. Oar boat trembled as it fell
into the steamer's wake. I do think one of those large
steamships in full operation is a sublime sight. It
certainly is calculated to impress the mind with a sense
of the wisdom and power of God, for who but an
infinite Being could endow man with such conceptions
and skill as to enable him to invent, construct and
control such vast machinery. These steamers are now
on every sea, transporting not only those who are
engaged in worldly pursuits, but those also who carry
the glad news of the gospel to the heathen. We
arrived at the wharf just about three o'clock, and soon

190 CIOaRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

found oiirselvcs in our little foriy steamer, and in a
few minutes more were safely moored in our pleasant

domicil. We found all well but Mrs. B r, wlio was

suffering from an attack of cliolera morbus. It certain-
ly calls for our warmest gratitude, dear mother, that we
have been permitted to meet once more under such
favorable circumstances, and that our journey to you
and our return has been so safely and pleasantly
accomplished. It is no slight thing to make a journey,
long or short, without accident of any kind.

" Tell sister that I found my boys professing great
pleasure at seeing me home again. Williams, though
more feeble in body than when I left him, now is,
(spiritually,) clothed and in his right mind. I told him
that you sent your regards to him and others. * God
bless her,^ said he with all the w^armth of a sailor^s
heart, * I never shall forget the tear she shed when she
talked to me. That tear has followed me ever since,
and I {1111x1:, I Icnoiu that she feels for the poor sailor.'
It seems that he had a Roman Catholic mother, but one
whom he believes to be truly pious notwithstanding her
ignorance and superstition. He remembers weeping
much on hearing her tell the story of the cross. She
was (he says,) very particular to instruct her children,
making them pray morning and evening. Though poor,
she always dressed them clean, and made them go to
church on Sabbath day. He is a Prussian, and to avoid
being drafted as a soldier he left his home and went to sea.
He has a decent education, and reads his Bible conside-
rably. I cannot help thinking that a good work is
begun in his heart, and trust it will be perfected. If
so, what a brand will be plucked from the burning.

BIOGlUniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^. 191

Praj for liim. Naylor is as usual, and Aiulerson is
bettor. They all send j'ou their thanks for your kind
remembrance of them. A sailor is never ungrateful
Antonio is here, but I have not seen him since my
return. He was not in the wards when I went my
round, and I have not happened to meet him elsewhere.
I wish I had time to tell you of our good meeting in
the chapel last evening, and also of my interview witli
my poor colored brethren in their ward.

" Now, dear mother, how do you do? I suppose you
are all going on as usual. Sister Anna visits you every
day, and the grand-children and great-grand-children
to the third generation cluster around you. Oh, may
they all be as olive plants in the vineyard of the Lord.

" Eemember us affectionately to all friends ; we are
much obliged to them for so many favors.

*' Saturday/ Eve. Since writing the above we learn

that our Hospital physician, Dr. , is removed, and

Doctor L. appointed in his place. The latter is a young
man from Andover, about thirty years of age, and was
a pupil of Dr. Stedman while he was at this Hospital.
We know not but we also shall be displaced. With
assurances of love to all, I am

*' Yours affectionately,

*' Lydia."

To her Mother.

''December, 181:3.

*' My dear Mother: — I know it is a long time since I

have written you ; but could you see how much I have

to occupy me, you would, I think, hold me somewhat

excusable. I have come to the conclusion that there is

192 BIOGRAPHY or MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

no such tiling for me as an idle rnoment, althougli some-
times I am almost inclined to wisli for one. Let our
situation be what it may, I do not believe that either
Josiah or myself shall ever be in danger of rusting.
We shall, I suspect, always find enough to do. To-day
the weather is most delightful, and husband has gone
to Brighton on business. It would have been pleasant
for me to go with him, and I should much have enjoyed
the ride ; but I wished to write my dear mother to-day,
and there is a sick man whom I ought to visit, so I
decided to remain. My poor patient cannot live long,
and as he is unable to read he likes to have me read
the Bible to him. I have conversed with him to-day
about his situation ; he seems quite reconciled to death,
feels his dependence upon the Saviour, and trusts in
him alone for salvation. He is gentle and quiet as a
lamb, though suffering considerably. His disease is
consumption. Poor fellow ! his rest will be sweet ; it
is a consolation that there will be time enough to rest in
heaven. That blessed world is often present to my
view", and when inclined to relax my efforts in any good
cause, I reflect were I there and could 1 grieve in heaven
it would be that I have done so little good here. Ob,
then 'let us work while the day lasts.' We have a
colored man here who also is drawing near his end. He
has been much exercised about his future state. His
mind has been dark as his skin, but the light of the sun
of righteousness has now dawned upon his soul, and we
hope he will be prepared to meet the Lord at his coming.
Oh, my mother, what a station has God in his provi-
dence called us to fill. Its responsibilities are almost
overwhelming, and we need, oh, how much, the prayers

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 193

of our Christian friends. Let yours ascend constantly
on our Lelialf

" The boy ^^'llom I mentioned in a former letter, wlio
was brought in ^\■itll the Savannah fever, is now
convalescing. He is only fourteen years old. We have
taken him from the ward and put him in the family,
the doctor thinking that he would recover faster r"^
removed from among the sick, as he needed no medicine.
Kate, [a niece of Mrs. B's,] and I are learning him to
read, and are also making him some clothes, as he was
very destitute. So you see we have plenty of variety
in our labors. He is a gentle, docile child, with a very
sweet face, and nothing bad or vile about him outwardly.
He seems to think that sin is a hateful thing. We took
him to meeting with us, and he never took his eyes
from the minister during the whole sermon. In the
evening I was conversing with him and trying to
explain the fourth commandment, and he told me that
' he had thought upon good things all the day.' He
went with us to Sabbath school, and also attended our
meeting at the house, so that his whole time was
employed in religious services. But I thought few of
us could say that our minds had been upon them all the
time. The boy seems very grateful and affectionate,
and interests me much. Still I try not to feel too
sanguine respecting him, so that if he should prove un-
worthy after he recovers and be a different boy from
what he now seems, I should not be greatly disappointed.
His father was a Frenchman, but is dead. His mother
is German, and is now living in Baltimore. He is very
fond of her, and I think she must be a decent woman,
though probably ignorant. All the literary knowledge
17

194 BIOGRAPHY or MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

he has was acqiured in the Sahbath school. Had it not
been for that precious institution he probably would not
have known his letters. Dear Kate is much interested
in him, and is quite a help to me hi teaching him to
read, though herself a child. So you see, mother, that
I have two children. At one time I am listening to lier
notes on the piano, and next I am helping the little
sailor boy spell his words of one syllable. Sometimes I
leave him to try Katie's patience while I go and read
the Bible to some poor sick one in the w^ards. Kate im-
proves very much, and I enjoy her society exceedingly;
she is very pleasant and obedient. She has gone to-day
with her Uncle Bacon to Charlestown, to visit Abby G-.
I thought it a good opportunity for her, as her uncle
was going to Brighton, and could leave her at C. on his
way over and call for her on his return. Francis, the
invalid boy, has gone with them. I don't know which
was the most delighted, the *big boy,' (as Susan N.
used to call Josiah when they played at school together,)
or the children. They were a happy trio, I assure you.
'' Last evening a new^ benevolent society was organized
in our village. It is composed of the benevolent from
all denominations, and its object is to assist the poor in
this inclement season, w^ithout respect to age, condition
or color. IMr. Bacon presided at the formation of the
society, and Mr. E. S. was Vice-President. Kate desires
love to you all with husband and self. Tell Anna that
I received the cape and like it. I have seen sister twice
since I came from Sandwich ; once I dined with her.
Next week being Christmas I shall expect Isabella and

Mary to visit us. We dined at J 's Thanksgiving

day, with their children and grand-children, and had a
very pleasant time.

BIOGKAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 195

"We liavo just received an invitation from sister A.
to dine with tliem on Cliristmas day, which we shall
accept, Providence permitting. We have just now re-
turned from a temperance lecture in our village ; it was
very good, and we trust the influence will be salutary,
Ahby, should we all live and remain here, you must
come up and stay with us during the anniversaries in
May, unless it is more convenient for you to come later.

*' Yours as ever,

" L. B. Bacon."

To the same.

'' January 22d, 1844.

" I am admonished, my dear mother, by the date
above that I have not written you since the year com-
menced. I am reminded of the goodness of God in
sparing us another year, when we deserve to be ' cut
do^Ti as cumberers of the ground.' Yes, ive are spared
while on every breeze is borne the sad tidings that some
one whom we knew and loved has gone to the spirit-land-

" Last week we received a letter from Mrs. Boyd, who
has been called to mourn the loss of another sweet
child, a darling girl, I believe about nine years of age.
Her letter also announces the sudden death of our dear
friend and brother, Mr. Brewster of Sackett's Harbor.
This will be a great loss to the church there, and to the
"society also which is now struggling to replace their
house of worship unfortunately burnt to the ground.
But we must not question the ways of Providence.
Brother B. lived to a good old age, and as a shock of
corn fully ripe has been gathered to his fathers. How
sweet is the remembrance of his kindness and brotherly

196 BIOGRAPHY OF MES. LYDIA B. BACOX.

affection to us. And liow pleasant the memory of liis
visit here a year ago last October. How well I remem-
ber the last time we knelt around the family altar, and
the Last look as they took their departure. I felt then
that I should never see him again in the flesh. We
ought not to regret that he is now enjoy iug the presence
of his Saviour. His dear companion has lost the friend
of her bosom, but her gentle spirit is used to discipline,
(having often borne the rod,) and will bow in humble
submission to her Father's will. Mrs. Boyd likewise
mentions the death of Ann Bridge, one of my Sabbath
scholars at the Harbor. She was a very lovely girl.
When a child she was one of the best I ever knew, and
the only daughter of a mother who was a great invalid.
I think Abby will remember the family.

" Yesterday I heard that our dear Catharine P. is on
her death-bed. I wish very much to see her once more,
and should go over but I understand that she is so low
they do not allow any company. I am told she is
perfectly happy in view of death, and feels that the
grim messenger comes with happy tidings, bidding her
* enter into the joy of her Lord.' Well, her course of
self-denying usefulness is over, and now she will under-
stand the mystery of God's dealings with her, and with
enraptured strains will chant the praises of redeeming
love. How many of God's children whom she has
comforted and ministered to will greet her in her new
and blessed abode. And how many who but for her
faithful instruction had never entered the pearly gates
will at last rise up to call her blessed. Surely ' they
who turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars
forever and ever.' She will be a s:reat loss to her

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 197

friends and to the cliurcli ; but the great Head of the
church can raise uj) some one to fill her place, if he sees
best to call her home. Oh, how admonitory are all
these dispensations ! How loud the call to us, ' Be ye
also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son
of Man cometh.'

*' Last week we buried two of Ocean^s sons, not where
' the coral ' is tlieir ' pillow,' and ' the seaweed ' their
' winding sheet,' but in the silent tomb prepared by man
for their long home. Father Taylor attended the
funeral, and was very good indeed; he has just returned
from a long journey by sea and land for the recovery of
his health.

" We had a very pleasant time at South Boston last
week, and wish you had been with us. Do you remem-
ber the * little prisoners ' ? You would have thought
yourself in company with noblemen's sons had you seen
them last week. Keally there are some very talented boys
among them. Capt. C. was in his ' valley of diamonds ' ;
he is certainly a wonderful man.

'^ Our dear pastor has been quite sick, and is still
unable to preach. Had Mr. C, (your minister,) been
here last Sabbath we should have persuaded him to fill
the pulpit. I hope we shall have the pleasure of hearing
him preach before he returns to Sandwich. Our boy
Francis is improving in his reading. I wish, Abby, you
were here to help teach him. I have sent him to school
lately, and he has made good progress. But I must
close. Kate joins me in love to dear grandmother and
all our dear relatives.

" Yours always,

''LydiaB. Bacon."

17*

198 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

Mr. Brewster, of Sackett's Harbor, wliose death is
mentioned by Mrs. Bacon in the foregoing letter to ber
mother, was one of their dearest and best friends, tried
and faithful in adversity as well as prosperity. His
wife was the beloved and valued companion and friend
so often addressed in these pages as * Sister Harriet.'
The last epistle addressed to her was, (as the reader
may remember,) one of most affectionate congratulation
upon the hopeful conversion of her only daughter. How
different the tenor of the following, written after the
bereaving stroke had fallen so hea^vilj.

To Mrs. H. B.

" Qhekea, Jem. 23, 1844.
" My dear afflicted Sister : — I have been wishing to
WTite you for some weeks past, but have waited to find
the moment when I could do so without interruption.
I have just been perusing the last letter I received from
you ere the hand of the Lord had written you a widow.
How striking seemed the contrast as I read it and
thought of your situation then and now. Then you
had health in your habitation and peace in your dwell-
ing-place, and your heart overflowed with gratitude to
God for his kindness to you, and with sympathy for
your neighbors less favored than yourself. Noiv death
has entered your dwelling and taken the loved com-
panion of your bosom, removing * the desire of your
eyes ' with a stroke the severity of which none but
yourself can fully estimate. My heart is full ; dearest
Bister, what shall I say ? I need not point you to the
promises so graciously and profusely scattered through
the blessed Book, for they have been your solace in all

BIOGRArnY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 199

your pilgrimage Intlicrto. I need not tell you that our
Father is the widow's God aud Judge, nor remind you
how tenderly he says to you, * Thy Maker is thy
husband ; the Lord of Hosts is his name.' Nor need I
assure you that he who wounds can heal ; you have had
blessed experience of his mercy in many a previous
trial. What strong consolation you have in this hour
of your distress. Your loved one has fallen like the
ripened sheaf. He had nothing to do but to die, and
so, gathering himself in his bed, he pronounced his last
blessing upon his weeping friends and then fell asleep
in Jesus. My sweet sister, as you walked down with
him into ' the valley of the shadow of death,' and
followed him to the confines of eternity, did you not
almost wish to go ivitli Mm over Jordan ? But no ; you
have still ties to bind you here, and those dear children,
(left you by a former bereaving Providence,) are com-
mitted to your care to be trained for God and heaven.
Oh, may your life be prolonged to finish this ' work of
faith and labor of love.'

" More than ever do I prize the privilege of that
good visit received from you and our dear departed
brother more than a year ago. How delightful is the
recollection of our meeting ; how vivid the memory of
our parting. I am sure we all felt that we should
probably never meet again on earth. How much I
have thought of his kindness to us, and of his Christian
character generally. How he will be missed in the
house of God, and in every thing that he used so much
to delight in. But, blessed be God, with an eye of
faith we can follow him bevond the vail, and there

200 BIOGRAPHY OE MRS. LYDIA B. BACON".

"behold him, freed from sin and unfettered with infirmi-
ty, praising the grace that hath saved him.

*' Dear sister, accept our sympathies. You know the
bonds of long-tried friendship and Christian love which
united us. We feel for you and your dear Harriet
more than we can express. The latter will now have a
double duty resting on her. As she has early devoted
herself to her Saviour, may she have a double portion
of his spirit and grace. You are blessed, my dear
friend, in having your beloved only daughter a member
of the household of faith. May those little ones, the
dear offspring of the departed Frances, give their young
hearts to Jesus, and consecrate to him the dew of their
youth ; and thus be early adopted into his blessed
kingdom.

" Do write us soon, dear sister, and tell us, if you can,
more particularly of the closing scene of our lamented
brother. Oh ! that we could meet and mingle our tears
together : we would only mourn our loss, for he is an
infinite gainer and needs no sympathy.

" I have just received a letter from Mrs. Boyd. A
few lines from him at the close announced the birth of
another daughter. They, too, have been bereaved, and
his health is very precarious, as, no doubt you know.
May they have grace given them to bear all their
Father's will. You express the hope in your letter that
we are exempt from all ill. AVe have not at least been
free from apprehensions ; as we have had reason to fear
we might be removed from our position. Our physician
was displaced, and wo could hardly expect to be more
favored. But a kind Providence placed us here, and
has hitherto sustained us : aud we feel that we are in

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 201

his hands. Should lie see fit to remove iis he uill ; and
no one else can do it If we are obliged to leave, it will
doubtless be for the best. At present, our situation,
though not without its cares and trials, seems desirable
to us both. I have never allowed myself to call it
Jiome, both on account of the uncertainty whether we
should be permitted to remain here, and the certainty
that ere long we must part with all things earthly.
How consolino' the assurance that Christ has o'one to
prepare a place for us above. We have much to
encourage us in our labors ; many interesting cases
anion 2: the sons of the ocean are occurrino; to cheer us
on in our efforts to do good to the soul as well as the
body. TVe have a little boy with us only fourteen years
old. He was born in France, but went to the West
Indies where he took a fever ; and the vessel in which
he was, coming to Boston, he was brought to the Hos-
pital. He ' was sick nigh unto death,' but has recovered.
He has no relations in this country but a mother ; she
is very poor and a Catholic. He could not read ; and
as he is not yet fit to send away, we are trying to teach
him. He is very affectionate and obedient, and improves
fast. I know not what to think of his religious cliar-
acter. He professes to love Christ, and says that he
always did ; he also says that lie always loved to pray,
and feared to do wrong. Time will prove the sincerity
of his professions. ^ ^ * ^ ^ We lay no plans
for ourselves not even for the morrow ; as we know not
what a day may bring forth. I feel that life is pecu-
liarly uncertain with me. I am troubled with a
ccmj^hint of the heart which has been more or less
obvious for the past two years. I did not tell you of it

202 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACON.

when you were liere, tliinking it miglit disturb your
enjoyment. I consider myself more tlian usually liable
to sudden deatb : pray for me, my dear sister, that I
may be ready whenever my Divine Master calls. I
visited my dear mother in August. She still enjoys
good health for such advanced age. She felt delighted
that you had visited me, and it would have given her
great pleasure to see you herself. I have a niece, a
daughter of my brother William, staying with me this
winter and attending to music. I enjoy her society
much. Accept our united love for yourself and dear
ones : we commend you all to God and to the word of
his grace. Should we meet no more on earth, may we
be all found at the right hand of the Judge.
'• Your affectionate sister,

*' L. B. Bacon."

To her Mother.

''March 8th, 1844.
*' My dear Mother : — I thank you and Abby for the
few lines received by the Packet. I can sympathize
with you as it respects the distress in your head ; for
mine has been similarly aflected for two weeks past.
It has been dreadful to bear ; but with you I can say
that I desire to submit to the will of God. Cheerful
submission I believe to be the best cure for all earthly
troubles. And what a motive is there for submission
when we reflect how little we deserve auo;ht but suffering;.
Oh let us bear patiently all God's afflictive providences ;
for does not our heavenly Father know what is best for
us ? And after such a long experience of his goodness
as you and I have had, cannot we trust him for the

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 203

future ? Altliougli mine lias Lecn a clieckercd scene,
yet how many, many mercies have been strewed in my
path. AVhen I look Lack on the fifty-seven years spent
in this frail tahernacle, I am filled with wonder and
astonishment at the goodness of God to one so unworthy.
Especially do I feel called upon to admire his conde-
scension in placing me in situations where I could be
greatly useful in his vineyard. You, my dear mother,
are pleasantly and peacefully situated, where you can
have time calmly to prepare for your last change. That
great change must shortly come. You may, it is true,
outlive your children ; but we are all growing old ; a
few more years, months, or days, and ' the places that
now know us will know us no more forever.' It will
make but little difference then whether our life was
long or short, our pains many or few. The only ques-
tions of importance will be, * did we believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and did our faith show itself in corres-
ponding works?'

" Is it not astonishing, dear mother, that we trust to
finite things for happiness so much and neglect the
infinite Being, who is the source of all true bliss. Oh !
let us ever cherish that soul-satisfying feeling, that God
doeth all things well. Let us remember that his ways,
though now dark to our finite minds, will all be cleared
up when the sunbeams of eternity shall fully reveal his
goodness in his mysterious dealings witli us. Oh ! it is
sweet to rest with the confidence of children upon that
divine word which assures us that all things ^hall work
for good to those that love him. It is, as you justly
observe, a great blessing that we are able to walk about
and take care of ourselves, although in much infirmity.

204 BIOGRArilY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

Perhaps you have read of the poor sufferer at Salem
with a diseased spine. She has been confined to her
"bed for many years, enduring the most violent spasms.
These distort her head and limbs, putting them in
unnatural and painful positions in which they remain
until a succeeding spasm changes them. She is a
perfect wonder : and amid all this protracted suffering
and torture, her mind is stayed on God, and she has sweet
communion with her Saviour. I have just been reading
in the Puritan (a new religious paper which I shall send
you instead of the Eecorder,) a very full and particular
account of the dreadful accident at Washington. I do
hope that our nation will be admonished by the blow
which has fallen upon those who wear its dignities and
sit in its places of trust and power.

'' Our lovely friend, Mrs. L , who went as Mis-
sionary to the Nestorians, has taken an early flight to
the spirit-land, and is, doubtless, at rest in her Saviour's
bosom. But eighteen months ago, we v\'ere all busy
helping her prepare for the work on which her heart was
set : but the God of missions has taken her to brio-hter
realms. She had the cholera, which weakened her
exceedingly ; and after the birth of a dead infant, she
sank immediately into the arms of death.' She was
perfectly happy, and sweetly resigned to her heavenly
Father's will. Hers was a very perfect character ; I
loved her much, and so did every one who knew her.

" You remind me, sister A., that we are to go to
Mount Auburn if we live till you come up. I have not
forgotten it : when will you come ? The birds are
singing to-day ; soon all nature will wake to life and
renew its beauties. Yours always,

" L. B. Bacox.'^

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA C. BACON. 205

To her Mother.

"Jimem, 1844.

" I suppose my dear motlier begins to tliiiik it is
about time to have a letter from Ljclia ; and as brother
and sister will leave for Sand\Yicb in a day or two, I
will have a page or two filled to send by tliem. I was
very glad that sister came up to the Anniversaries. It
was very pleasant to me to see her, and I think she
enjoyed the meetings, although of course it was very
fatiguing to her to attend them. She has taken some
cold w^hich affected her head ver}^ unpleasantly ; but she
is now better. I did not go to every meeting ; for it is
more than a frail mortal can bear to attend them all.
Besides, I am commanded by the doctor to avoid excite-
ment, and to exercise very moderately. The meetings
have been very interesting this spring ; the Seamen's
Friend Society in particular. I presume you have read
an account of them in the Eecorder. It is wonderful to
see the multitude of people who attend these meetings.
Several were held in different places at the same hour ;
and each was filled to overflowing. Old Mrs. F. is with
her son ; she went over to the Anniversaries one day.
She enjoyed the meetings, but the noise and excitement
were too much for her. I attended on four days,
although I was not able to remain entirely through
each day. My head and heart trouble me ; and some
of the time I was excessively fatigued ; but I cannot
bear to give up as long as I can go ; there is so much
to interest and instruct.

" I saw Mrs. Hooker at the meetings ; but she had
no time to visit Chelsea, as she had to return to Brain-
tree on Friday. Her mother is very feeble, being now
18

206 BIOGKAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

ninety years of age. Soon slie must put off tliis earthly
tabernacle, and enter anotlicr, I trust a brighter world.
Mrs. H. was very well and very desirous to see you all.
I think she will come to Sandwich this summer. I
met her at the morning prayer meeting which was held
at Park street church ; and at the close of the meeting
we went together to a mutual friend's in Colonnade
Row, opposite the Mall. This was on Thursday, the
day of the great Temperance Celebration, and we had
quite a 'tete-a-tete,' though in the midst of a crowd.
The concourse of people in the streets was immense.
The constant hum of human voices, the trampling of
horses, the rolling of wheels, and the shouting of a
multitude of boys were enough to confuse and deafen
any one whose head was not made of iron. It was
interesting to see so many of our youth assembled on
this occasion. Whole families came in from the country,
and took up their abode upon the common for the day ;
resting in groups upon the grass which never looked
more beautiful. There they stayed, eating and drinking
and caring for their little ones, and all seemed the
happiest of the happy. The day was beautiful ; it could
not have been more so. The air was just cool enough ;
and it seemed as if Providence smiled on the occasion.
Stagings were erected upon diflPerent parts of the com-
mon, and speakers upon each platform were advocating
temperance at the top of their lungs. It was a sight
altogether novel for the ' city of notions ; ' but never
was there a more glorious one since tlie day that the
British troops evacuated the city. The eye of the
friends of virtue and order could rest on this spectacle
with pleasure : for with cold water for its foundation no

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA R. BACON. 207

melanclioly consequences could be expected. Tliero
were booths around the outside of tbe common filled
with an abundance of edibles ; and tea and coffee were
supplied to those who wished to drink something
strono'cr than water. I was amused with the siirht of
several boys who held a boiled lobster in one liand and
an orange in the other, and seemed to enjoy both
exceedingly.

" I am sorry, dear mother, to hear that you are not
so well as usual ; I hope that you will be better soon.
The older we grow, of course we shall feel our infirmi-
ties the more ; and the time must come when we shall
be called to quit these tabernacles of clay. Then, if we
are Christ^s we shall go where there will be no more
sickness and pain, and no more death. Oh, may we
each be ready for our summons when it shall come.
Dear mother, I trust that your lamp is trimmed and
burning and you waiting to enter into the joy of your
Lord. Oh for more faith ! This is what we need ; then
should we live near to God ; maintaining a constant
communion with him, and beholding his divine attri-
butes with joy, vronder and praise. I do have glimpses
of this blessedness ; yet oh, how transient they are. I
wish I could find words to express what I would say on
this subject. Pray for your child, dearest mother ; that
her faith and love may be increased ; and her hope sure
and steadfast like an anchor to the soul.

" Brother and sister have gone to pass the day with
sister Anna, and I shall join them there in the after-
noon. The omnibus will take me up at my own door
and land me at Anna's.

" I suppose the country looks beautifully now and

208 BIOGRAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

that Sandwich is in its summer glory. I often think
while contemplating the works of nature, if this world
is so heautiful with so much to mar its loveliness, what
must be the glories of the better land. There no sin
can stain or sorrow blight ; and the light of the sun
and moon which here are so necessary to our being will
be wholly superseded by the bright shining of the Sun
of Eighteousness. Oh for a home in that heavenly
city !

O C- -<.♦ ■'.>- O '•Jp

" I desire to see you very much, and hope I may be
able to visit you in July. I shall try to be with you
over the ' Fourth ' if possible. With love to all inquiring
friends,

** I am your affectionate child,

" Ltdia."

To the same.

Avgust IStJi, 1844.
" My dear Mother, — I hasten to improve the first
moment of leisure since my return, to inform you of my
safe arrival home. What a blessing to be carried out
and brought back in safety. ' The Lord is my keeper.'
More than ever before, I think I have realized this in
my visit to Sandwich at this time. The morning I left
you, my heart was full, and yet I dared not give vent
to my feelings both on your account and my own. I
am obliged to avoid excitement as much as possible ;
and it is religion as well as philosophy to endure
patiently what we cannot cure. The morning of our
journey home was most delightful. There was a fine
breeze, a nice stage coach, the roads were good and vre

BIOGRAPHY OF IMRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 209

liad but one fell )W passenger. This was a gentleman
by the name of Parker, a Baptist brother, and a very
good man : he was acquainted with father Bacon and
wife. The ride was very pleasant with the exception
of a little dust ; and when wc reached Plymouth,
although the boat was just coming in, we concluded to
continue on in the stage. Eemembering that I was
troubled with sea-sickness in coming up by the boat last
summer, I concluded this time to prefer earth to water
and liorses to steam. But I was not very wise. At the
hotel where the stage usually stops for dinner, they
provide no dinner on boat days ; as most of the passen-
gers prefer the boat. So we dined on berries and milk
with a cup of weak tea ; and our repast being soon
ended we resumed our journey. At Weymouth, we
took in several additional passengers, but not so many
as to make it disagreeable. The dust however soon
increased until it was tremendous, and nearly choked
us. Still I tried to enjoy the ride as much as possible.
The country never looked more beautiful. The trees
were loaded with fruit ; and the fields were covered with
every thing necessary for the sustenance of man and
beast. All showed the goodness of our heavenly
Pather in supplying the wants of his dependent crea-
tures. Oh that men might be sensible from whom all
their blessings flow ; and render the praise and grati-
tude which is his due.

"About five in the afternoon, I was landed in Boston
at Chelsea omnibus office. But the coach had just gone.
So I left my name with instructions for them to call
for me at No. 2 Derne street, and walked up School
street, where I accomplished some errands, thus saving
18*

210 BIOGRAniT OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^T.

the necessity of another jaunt to the city on purpose.
At sister S's I washed and dusted myself, and partook
of some refreshments. After which I waited in vain
for the omnihus to call ; and at length ascertained that
having a full load they had left me. So meeting my
hushand, I walked with him to the ferry ; and by the
time I reached home was exceedingly fatigued. I found
all well ; and nothing unfortunate had occurred daring
my absence.

*' Mrs. Foster had called, and also Mrs. Swain from
New Bedford. The latter told my hushand that Eliza-
beth was going to Sandwich ; so I suppose she is with
you now. Yesterday the Collector visited us with Capt.
Sturgis and the Postmaster. He seemed very much
pleased with the appearance of things, though he could
make no comparison in our favor, having never been at
the Hospital before. He thought however, that the
garden must be a very great improvement to the pros-
pect in front. The Collector is a fine looking man and
very pleasant in his manners.

*' I do not feel well to-day, and am constantly re-
minded how short may be my stay on earth. Mother,
do remember your child in your prayers. How fleeting
is time ! My life in the retrospect seems like a series
of dreams. First from childhood to youth; then to
womanhood ; next in the army ; afterward at Sackett's
Harbor ; then at Sandwich ; and now in Chelsea. In
all these periods how the goodness and mercy of God
has encompassed me and provided for me. ' AVhat shall
I render unto the Lord for all his benefits?' The
summer is nearly gone. I hope, should we all live till
next month and your healtli permits Abby to leave,

BIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 211

that wc sliall have a good visit from licr. Remcm'ber
us to all friends, especially to Lrotlier and fiimily, and
to Maria and hers. Good-bye, dear mother.
" From yours ever,

'' Lydia B. Bacon/^

To Mrs. B., of Sackett's Harbor.

'' Septemher M, 1844.

" I suppose that ere this our dear Harriet has
returned to her peaceful home and to the embrace of her
best of mothers. We were delighted on receiving your
letter informing us of her intended call on us, and Tve
awaited her arrival most eagerly. We enjoyed it very
much ; but its brevity, and her engagements with her
party, together with mine to our sewing-circle, (which
met at our house on Wednesday,) prevented me from
paying her such attentions as I wished to render. I
hope she enjoyed her little visit, notwithstanding these
drawbacks. It was very s^'eet to me to have the
privilege of once more beholding the beloved child of
my dear and tried friend. What a blessing she is to
you. You are lonely, I know, at times ; but how much
more desolate would be your widowed heart had you not
this treasure left as a companion and solace in your
bereavement. Oh, that she may be spared to comfort
and support your declining years.

" I hope, should our lives be spared, that we may
meet again, either here or at the Harbor, though here-
tofore it has seemed hardly possible. Be that as it may,
there is a laiid where we shall meet to part no more ;
there we shall delio-ht to recount the wonderful dealings

212 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

of our lieavenly Father witli us in this pilgrimage state ;
there ^ve shall worship our God and Eedeemer vrithout
the encunihrances which now hurden us, and — oh, de-
lio'htful thouo'ht ! — ivitliout sin.

" S'pt 4,th. Tliis is one of the most delightful after-
noons that you can possihly imagine. The air is bland
and sweet, and all nature smiles, renewing the evidence
of the goodness of its divine Creator. I am seated
near the window of our front chamber ; the tide is full,
and the steamboat with untiring speed is conveying its
living freight across the ferry. Some are hieing to the
city, to pursue their business or pleasure ; others are
flying from its crowded and dusty thoroughfares to
inhale the pure air and enjoy the comparative quiet of
Chelsea. Many small boats are upon the river, spread-
ing their white sails to the gentle breeze which moves
them on as if by magic. As I cast my eye over the
whole scene, which includes our good city, with its State-
house dome, Bunker Hill, vrith its proud monument,
and the busy town in the midst of which it rears its
lofty head, the river, with our own beautiful garden
sloping almost to its banks, my heart overflows with
delight, and I wish that you were here to enjoy it with
me. I was very much gratified in seeing S. and his
wife. He reminds me of his dear mother, to whom I
shall ever feel much indebted. Not only do I owe her
much useful knowledge, but also the stimulus which
her example afforded me to improve the talents for
doing good committed to me by our heavenly Father.
Although I was often a dull scholar, yet I think I did
feel a desire to do my duty. As these and many other
things connected with my acquaintance with the differ-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 213

ent brandies of your dciir family come up in review be-
fore me, tlie tbougbt that so many of these loved friends
are gone to return no more fills me with sadness. I
cannot forget old friends ; the recollection of their
virtues and of their many kindnesses to one so unworthy
as myself will never leave me. May all these reflec-
tions and enjoyments be so sanctified to me that I may
be led to glorify God in all I do, or say, or think.

" I visited, my dear aged mother and found her com-
fortable considering her years, which now number four
score and four. When I left her I could not help feel-
ing as I pressed her to my heart that it might be our
last embrace, for I consider my life as uncertain as hers,
though not from the same cause. My sister J. was also
at Sandwich with her family. So my mother had all
her children and grand-children once more around her.

" Our house is now very full of patients, but we have
none distressingly sick. Indeed, we have been highly
favored in having little severe illness or death for the
last six months. My dear Josiali sends his kindest
regards to you and Harriet, with many wishes for your
present and future good. Adieu, my much loved sister.
May heaven's richest blessings ever attend you, is the
prayer of

" Your affectionate,

" L. B. Bacox.^'

The following brief letter to her sister, Mrs. T., gives
a lively description of some of her occupations and en-
joyments. The compiler of these pages can well appre-
ciate the allusions to the fine melons with which Mrs-
B's company were entertained, having been often invited

214 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

with otlier friends to a melon feast at lier table. Tliose
wliicli were raised by Mr. Bacon I never saw excelled in
size or flavor.

'' Chelsea, October, 1844
'^ I suppose mj dear sister is by tbis time safe at
bome, congratulating berself tbat sbe bas sucb a quiet
abode, and thankful tbat sbe is not in Lydia's place.
Well, it is a great blessing to know when we are well
off, and I am glad tbat you are one of the wise ones.

" We bad a tremendous blow last night, and the
weather is very unpleasant to-day. But I shall not
mourn about it, since it prevents me from going out or
from receiving company, and thus affords me the oppor-
tunity which I much desired of writing to you. Shall
I tell you some of my occupations and engagements
since you left? I commence with the morning of your
departure. As the omnibus rolled from the door, bear-
ing away my precious A , I fled to Miss Cheney's

kitchen. There, amid the fumes of pepper and vinegar,
boiling hot, (which were preparing to pickle the dear
little cucumbers that I showed you,) I endeavored to
drive away any lurking sensitiveness which would unfit
me for the duties I had to do. I made one kettle full
of tlie aforesaid spicy mixture, and was preparing

another when Mrs. T., with Capt. G and wife, was

announced. Well, I walked up stairs, although looking,
(as far as outward habiliments were concerned,) like
any thing but a lady, and making no apologies I gave
my friends a cordial greeting. After which, (of course,)
I retired to make myself more presentable, and enjoj^ed
their unexpected visit very much. Dinner was served

BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 215

up in Haniiali's best stylo, with plenty of melons for

" 111 tlie evening Mr. Langwortliy came -witli liis
wife's sister and Dr. F. and wife : so we liad anotlier
melon feast, which all seemed to enjoy verj much.
Since then I have had a constant succession of company.
Dr. L. was with us a fortnight, and of course we had
his friends occasionally. A friend of Dr. D. came and

passed a night, and Mrs. W was here tlie same

day. Mrs. Lord also, with D and her daughter,

came to spend the afternoon, and the omnibus failing
to call for them, they were obliged to spend the night.
A day or two since I went into the kitchen to make
another attempt at pickling cucumbers ; but it ended
as before in getting myself into ' a pickle.' For Mrs.

W s, whose visit had been long promised, called to

pass the day with me, and just as we were going in to
dinner Capt. B's daughter was announced. In addition
to this our sewing-circle met in the afternoon, and as I
have the honor and the task of presiding I could not
omit attendance. So I went, and took the ladies with
me.

" Yesterday I visited all the wards, (containing
eighty persons,) and conversed with each soul. Among
them I found some cases of much interest. One was a
Christian in the blessed enjoyment of religion. Another
was a backslider awakened and desirous of returning
to duty. He discarded his old hope, and seemed
humbly seeking the face and favor of God. I said
what seemed proper for his case, and commended him to
Him who heareth prayer. Do you remember B ,

216 BIOGEAFIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

the mail that I told you was so irritable the first time
I saw him ? Last evening he came into my room and
"beo'ffed to converse with me. He referred to what he
said at tliat first interview, and besought me to forgive
him for his rudeness. He then told me that he felt
himself to be a great sinner ; that he had ere this had
strong convictions of sin, and the Holy Spirit had
striven with him when tossed upon the ocean waves.
He said that he had grieved away this blessed Spirit,
and having sinned against so much light he feared that
his day of grace was past. He had been piously
educated, but at the age of sixteen had broken loose
from home and friends and went to sea. He wept
much while talking, and said it seemed as if his heart
would break. I tried to lead him to the sinner's friend.
But oh, ' who is sufficient for these things ?' Pray for
your poor sister,

"LydiaB. Bacoi^."

To her Mother.

*' Chelsea, Nov. 19, 1844.
" Well, my dear mother, I suppose you have amused
yourself a little as usual, in watching tJic election. The

important day is past ; and Mr. P is to be our next

President. AVhat the consequences will be, time alone
will determine. Should Texas be annexed, I fear the
chains of the poor slave will be riveted more strongly
than ever. We have no children to be affected by bad
legislation, but I trust we are imtriots and feel a deep
concern for the weal and honor of our country. And I
hope that we have benevolence enough to feel for
suffering humanity everywhere. One fact does console

BIOGRAPUY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 217

me tlirougli all clianges, Avlietlier prosperous or adverse,
* The Lord reignetli.' He can bring order out of con-
fusion ; and can cause the present disappointment to
result in the best good of his people and the triumph of
his cause. Let us trust his overrulino; hand.

" We were very sorry, dear mother, to hear that you
had been so unwell ; and it was quite a relief to us t"
see your hand-writing once more. Thus are you spared
from time to time, to serve your Maker a little longer ;
to put up a few more prayers for your children, your
friends, and a dying world ; and so to grow in grace
that you may be meetened and prepared for your
heavenly inheritance. Mr. Barnes, the young man
whom I mentioned in my last letter to Sister Abby,
has left the Hospital and gone to sea. I trust he is a
new man in Christ Jesus ; he seems to be deeply in
earnest. He belongs to a good family, has pious parents
and sisters, and is very intelligent and of pleasing
manners. He says that every thing connected with the
Hospital will ever be pleasantly associated in his mind.
When I first conversed with him upon serious things, he
was very unpleasant to me. But he was soon convinced
of his sins, and came with tears to ask my forgiveness
and prayers. When he saw his guilt in the light of
God's truth, the sight was almost too much for him.
Oh, how deeply I felt my insufficiency to guide his
anxious soul to Jesus. I could only pray, ' Lord, open
the eyes of this young man that he may see ' ' the
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.'
I was overwhelmed with a remark made to me the other
day, by Kev. Mr. Springer. Said he, ' you need much
'personal inety, Mrs. Bacon, to qualify you for your duties

19

218 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

here.^ My hearfc responded, 'yes, I do indeed,' and
conscience loudly reproached me witli my deficiency.
Oh, for more grace and strength to overcome the world
without, and the easily besetting sins within.

" But to return to my young sailor friend. He has
written to his parents while here and has had beautiful
letters from them. Never shall I forget the animation
and love which beamed from his countenance, as he
brought in one for me to read. With eagerness he
unfolded it and displaying its full pages, exultingly
said, ' see, see ; this is a letter from 7111/ dear mother ! '
Then turning it over to show me that every part was
closely written, ' how full it is,^ he said, and the tears
mingled with the smiles. Oh, could Christian mothers
realize as I did then, the hold which their instructions,
and prayers, and tender love have upon their offspring,
they would never despair. I hope Barnes may be
strengthened to resist temptation and lead a godly life.
Dear mother, when you pray for the sailor, oh, remem-
ber Jiim, We have a little French boy from Paris with
us. He amuses me often with his imperfect English.
He came to my room a few days since, to beg a needle
and some thread. ' Ma'am,' said he, ' nofer boy want
some needle and tread ; but he shame to come ask it.
I tell him, he no need shame or fraid ; for you is de
best woman I see since I come to 'Merica.' I replied
that ' he had not seen mani/ then.' ' Oh, yes, ma'am,
I have,' was his quick response ; ' but I never see one
dat give me every ting I ask for.' I gave him the
needles and thread, a bag to put clothes in, a piece of
paper to draw a vessel on, and some ' ginger ubber,' as
he calls it, to rub out his pencil marks, and thus

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 219

added to liis feelings and expressions of gratitude and
obligation. He lias the fever and ague often, and
amuses me with his description of it. * It very bad,
ma'am ; it catch me right in de legs, and come up in de
back and into de stomach, and make me shake so,' suit-
ing the action to the word like any Frenchman. It is
sometimes hard work to keep my countenance while
talking with him. He has a very honest, open face and
soft dark eyes. I cannot but feel greatly interested for
him.

" I cannot write more at present. Josiah joins me in

a kiss of affectionate regard. Love to A and all

friends. Your affectionate child,

" L. B. Bacon."

To the same.

''December 18, 1844.

*' My dear Mother : — The date of this letter reminds

me that another year of my unprofitable life is drawing

to a close. Every day seems to glide away with more

rapidity than the preceding ; and this fact admonishes

me that with me, time will soon be gone forever. Oh,

how important that I so improve each passing hour as to

give

* Some good account at last.'

My responsibilities are great ; and I need much grace
to enable me to discharge them aright. May He who
for wise reasons has placed me in this sphere, give me
strength equal to my day.

I received a few lines from you by sister Anna, and
was rejoiced to find you were so comfortable. It is a

220 CIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACON.

great favor to be able to v^ait upon one's self, even if
our friends are ready and willing to care for us. Sister
A. came to see us last Monday week. We were not
interrupted by calls, and had the day all to ourselves.
I enjoyed it very luucb and I believe she did, too. Last
Monday I was at her house, but could only stay for a
short call, and did not see her. I go to Boston but about

once in three weeks ; and sister A has so many

engagements that she cannot come here very often ; so
we do not see each other as frequently as I could wish.
But it is a comfort to know that she is where I can see
her when I go to the city. They had just received a

letter from J ,"' which relieved their anxieties. His

letter must have been retarded by some means on the
way. He wrote that he was expecting his wife in the
vessel with Mr. Eiehards. He will be sadly disappointed
at not seeing her ; as he is now at house-keeping. His
situation and prospects are good ; and he wants nothing
but his family to make him as happy as he could ask.
I was thinking when I heard from him, how often I had
wished that some of the dear children of our families
might become missionaries. This is not yet granted.
But in another way, one of tliem has been stationed
among those who are just emerging from heathenism;
and I trust in many important respects he will be useful
there. He continues to speak with warm affection of
Dr. Judd and wife ; and it does give me much pleasure
that he has such friends there, who beside their attach-
ment to him, are so able to counsel and advise him.
How does this carry me back to the childhood of both

* A nephew of Mrs. Bacon's, at the Sandwich Islands,

BIOGRAPHY OF MR?. LYDIA B. BACO>r. 221

Mrs. Judd and our J ; and in connection witli my

relations to botli, liow strange does tlieir present meeting
seem in another quarter of the gdobe. Little did I
think tliat the affectionate little girl who smootlied my
pillow when I was sick and weary at Sackett's Harbor,
and did all she could to comfort and assist me when far
away from my mother and friends, and whom I in turn
delighted to instruct to the best of my poor abilities,
should, when grown to womanhood, be (with her gc)od
husband) the chosen friend of my dear sister's son.
' Truth is stranger than fiction.' Methinks, dear mother,
I see yourself and Abby sitting in your snug little
parlor, cosily chatting of absent friends. Perhaps sister
Lifdia is spoken of — and A. wishes she knew what L.
is about. Well, I'll tell her. We are going to give our
good minister a donation party. We shall not make
him rich ; but we wish to give him some substantial
tokens of our reo-ard. The visit will be on Christmas
Eve. Contrary to the usual custom in such cases, we
have decided to have no refreshments on the occasion.
As my name was put on the committee of arrangements,
I took the liberty to advise that we should dispense
with the eating 'process. It always seemed ridiculous to
me that a people should carry their own food to eat at
their pastor's house, and thus make a deal of unneces-
sary trouble. And it would be worse still to allow him
to provide refreshments for three or four hundred people.
In such a case, a minister might well exclaim, ' save mo

from my friends.' The Rev. Mr. B , of , at a

donation party given him, had such a superabundance
of cooked provisions sent in, that he had to take a
Avagon the next day and carry it round to the poor.
19*

222 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

My suggestion Tvas well received and seemed to meei
tlic approbation of the sensible portion of the com-
munity. So we decided to be singular in this respect,
and I do not fear that we shall regret it. We expect
to have a pleasant social and religious visit ; and hope
it will be the means of promoting our unanimity, and
building up the cause of Christ in our midst. Our
pastor is much engaged in his Master's work ; and w^e
are expecting good days in Zion. ^ ^ '■"
A — — tells me that you received tJie grapes in good
order. They vrere given to me ; and I was happy in
the opportunity of sending a part of them to you.
Anna Maria and Isabella passed a few hours with us
to-day. Mrs. Walton also came ; she was one of my
youthful friends, and I had not seen her for some years.
The girls have not been here this winter until now.
They have a multitude of engagements. I was very
glad to see them. Give my love to all the dear friends.
I remain, dear mother, your affectionate child,

"Lydia B. Bacon.''

Mrs. Judd, the lady referred to in the preceding
letter as a resident at the Sandwich Islands, first made
Mrs. Bacon's acquaintance during the residence of the
latter at Sackett's Harbor. She was then a motherless
little girl, and resided with a relative, in whose family
Mrs. B. was then a boarder. Mrs. B., with her usual
affectionate regard for chiklren, soon became deeply in-
terested in the little L. Every afternoon she called the
child to her room and gave lier instruction in reading
and needlework, filling her mind with useful knowledge
and counsel, and seekino' to lead her heart to him who

]3I0GKAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA E. BACOX. 223

lias permitted the orphan to say, ''"When my father and
mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." It
was this same little L. who, after obtaining an accom-
plished education, and grown to he a lovely and
pious woman, -was now residing, as the beloved wife of a
missionary, at the Sandwich Islands. She has frankly
acknowledged that a few words which IMrs. Bacon said
to her while a child gave her the first encouragement
to, and aspiration after usefulness. " From that mo-
ment,'^ says the friend who gives me the relation of this
interesting incident, " little L. really began to live.
She commenced vigorous exertions for self-improvement,
and after struo^irlino; through difficulties which would
have staggered any ordinary mind secured a thorough
education, and went on a mission to a heathen shore,
where she has exerted an influence on the heathen
mind unsurpassed by any female living. Truly, ' the
words of the wise are like apples of gold in pictures of
silver/ "

The next letter in my possession is to her friend Mrs.
H. B , of Sackett's Harbor, and is dated

" Chelsea, April lotJi, 1845.
" My very dear sister Harriet : — I perceive on re-
perusing your last valued epistle that it is just two
months to-day since its date. Yes, two months ago
your own hand, (which I have so often pressi'd in
friendship's close embrace,) penned, folded and sealed
the precious sheet. Your eyes have looked upon the
same paper which I have now been looking at, and your
affectionate heart has dictated those interesting contents
w^hich call forth sweet responsive emotions from mine.

224 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

And I actual!}^ liokl in mi/ hand that which you have
made so precious to me by first taking it in your own.
How pleasant is the thought to me, and how valuable is
this method of communication between kindred spirits
whom Providence has separated too widely for personal
intercourse. Yet far pleasantcr would it be to me, were
I permitted to throw aside my pen and hold sweet con-
verse with you face to face. Gladly would I accept
your kind invitation to visit you this summer ; but fear
I shall be obliged to defer it until 'a more convenient
season,' and that indeed may never come.

'• As yet we know not what awaits us with respect to
our present situation here ; but we shall not long be
kept in suspense. Of course the change of government
at Washington renders our removal a matter of proba-
bility. A new Collector has been appointed at Boston,
and whether he will be propitious to us remains to be
seen. Let this be as it may, it will be all right. Our
heavenly Father knows what is best, and he will do all
things well. To us, poor finite creatures, it seems
desirable that w^e should stay ; but we are short-sighted,
and know nothing aright. My great desire is for a
submissive spirit, and I do think my husband and my-
self both feel ready to acquiesce in the divine wilL

" We are rejoiced to hear that you enjoy such a good
degree of health. This is the best of heaven's temporal
gifts, without which all other temporal good is vanity
indeed, xind in your lonely state it seems a special
mercy that you have such liealth as enables you to be
actively and usefully employed. May you long enjoy
tliis blessing, and find full scope for the exercise of your
kindly and benevolent feelings.

BIOaSAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 225

" AVe have been called to witness tlie departure of
one of our little ones. She was the daughter of Dr.
F., who married my niece, and was a sweet, interesting
child of four years. Hor disease was the wliooping-
cougli. She loved music, and kept those who liad the
care of her singing the sweet hymns wliich her mother
and aunts had taught her. These seemed a store laid
up for time of need, and it was delightful to see what
a comfort this treasure was to her. Almost at the last
she requested her friends to sing that beautiful hymn of
Kirke White :

* Oh, Lord, another day is flown,
And we, a lonely band,
Are met once more before thy throne,
To bless thy fostering hand.'

Soon after this was sung she was seized with a convul-
sion, and instantly expired. She has left a little sister
two years older, (the only surviving child,) to mourn
the loss of her beloved little playmate. This is the
third family here who have lost their youngest recently,
leaving them in each instance only one remaining
child. But they are all pious parents, and have resigned
their little ones to him who lent them for a season, and
has recalled them to himself. We are glad to hear that
you progress so well with your meeting-house, and hope
you will soon have it finished as you desire. May a
divine blessing attend all your efforts, and many be
added to the church of such as shall be saved. We
have liad here a few precious mercy drops, about twenty
hopeful conversions. The interest has not yet entirely
subsided. Our meetings are well attended, and the
pastor and church much engaged. We need a powerful

226 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO:JT.

revival here. This is a rapidly increasing population ;
you would, I think, he astonished at the change which
has taken place since you were here.

*' My niece A S is staying with us ; she

desires her kind love to you and Harriet. She would
very much like that we should take a trip to your place
and hring her with us. Harriet told me that she was
going west this summer. AYhat time will she go? and
shall you accompany her ? Pray write and let me
know, for I should very much deplore coming to
Sackett's and finding that either of you were ahsent.

a letter from Elizabeth for some months. I know she
has much to do, and many corres23ondents, but I cannot
hear that she should fororet me. Remember me to Mr.

G C 's family, and to all who remember and

inquire after us.

" My mother is still living, and in the enjoyment of
tolerable health. My brothers and sisters are all well.
I must bid you farewell, desiring an interest in your
prayers for me and my better half, who is well and
desires a great deal of love to you and Harriet. While
life lasts the fond remembrance of your faithful and
untiring friendship shall be my solace. Pray for us,
that our faith fail not, and that we may be ready to
render up our account when our divine Master calls.
Ask for me more holiness of heart and life : it is what I
need and what I desire. Should we never write to or
see each other more, may wo meet at the right hand of
our Saviour above. Once more, farewell. May the
grace of God ever fill your heart, is the constant wish of
" Your affectionate sister,

** L. B. Bacox."

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 227

To licr Mother.

''Aug. 29, 1845.

" Dear Mother : — I received a few lines from you
yesterday, and was happy once more to see your beloved
handwriting.

'' Last week we visited New Haven, Conn., the beau-
tiful ' city of elms.^ I suppose it is so named from the
great number of elm trees planted in all the principal
streets. The latter are of spacious breadth and noble
length, and the lofty trees meeting overhead afford a
delightful shade to the traveler, and give the place an
air of grandeur and beauty not to be described. You
will recollect, mother, that our first station when Josiali
entered the army was at Fort Sale, near New Haven.
I think it was in the year 1809 that he was sent there
with a detachment of men. The fort and barracks
were then being built. But to our great disajDpointment,
just as our comfortable quarters were ready for us to
occupy, husband was ordered to rejoin his regiment,
then stationed at Fort Independence. Of course we
have always felt a special interest in the place, and have
long wished to re-visit it. We have of late been often

solicited to visit in the family of Mr. W , who is

the father of our pastor's wife. This invitation being
now urgently renewed, with a sj^ecial request that we
should come during Commencement week, we decided
to accept it. We had an additional and ver}^ strong in-
ducement to go at this time in the fact that my
husband's nephew, J. S. B., was to graduate, now having
just completed his studies at Yale College. So we
concluded we would attend Commencement exercises,
which was my first debut in this line.

228 BIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

" Wo liad a very pleasant ride from Boston to New
Haven in tlie cars, going one hundred and sixty-two
miles in ten hours. I was quite fatigued, it is true, but
slept well, and arose refreshed by slumber and anxious
to renew my acquaintance with the scenes of my
earliest married life. So we took a carryall, and with
our dear pastor, wife and son, (who came to New Haven
with us,) we rode to Fort Hale. Only thirty-six years,
if I remember rightly, since it was built and occupied
by proud and gallant troops. Now wo found it in a
state of ruin, the fort tumbling to pieces, and the
barracks occupied by fishermen and clam-diggers. We
entered the fort, ascended the parapet, took a survey of
the beautiful prospect from the summit, and left hoping
that it would never be found necessary to repair these
ruins. The house in which we used to board still re-
tained its former comfortable appearance, although none
of its former occupants reside in it. We also saw the
old meeting-house where we used to attend worship with
the soldiers ; but thirty years and more make great
changes everywhere. This ride occupied us most of
the morning.

" In the afternoon we heard a fine address from Eev.
Dr. Bethune, of Philadelphia. His subject was Study.
He answered some of the objections which are made
against it by saying that students are not so much
injured by attention to their books as by the want of
attention to their food, their exercise and personal
cleanliness. In the latter particular he thought there
was great deficiency. He said many of them were
content with merely washing their face and hands,
instead of that daily ablution of the whole body which

BIOGRArilY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 220

was indispensable to sound health. He asked them
* what they shoukl think if their laundress only washed
the wruthands and collar of their shirts ?' This
address was very interesting, and made the auditors not
only smile, but in one instance roar. In the latter ease
the speaker was compelled to join the laughers, and in-
deed how could he help it, when looking over that va^t
assembly with their mouths wi>]e open.

"Wednesday morning we visited, the Trumbull
gallery of paintings. These were, presented to Yale
College, with money to build the hall in which they are
hung. An admittance fee of twenty-five cents is taken,
and the income thus derived is used to help indigent
young men to complete their studies preparatory to the
sacred ministry. The remains of Trumbull are en-
tombed beneath the hall, and his monument is directly
under his own and his wife's portrait. Just above
these is a splendid picture of General Washington and
his beautiful horse. It was taken from life, and is said
to be a very exact likeness. Trumbull was one of
Gen. Washington's aids, and was considered one of the
best artists of his day. Why is it that one feels so
differently in looking at Washington's picture than that
of any other human being ? Is it not because in his
character goodness was so eminently combined with
greatness? TrumbulFs representations of him are
better than any others. The expression is uncommonly
good and life-like. As you gaze you think you can see
the workings of that powerful mind, endowed by the
Almighty for the part which he had to perform.

" I was told while in New Haven the following anec-
dote of the artist: When he drew the heads of tha
20

230 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

signers of the Declaration of Independence lie took
them from life. But there was one exception. Colonel
Harrison, (the father of General Harrison,) had de-
ceased, and Trumbull, not choosing to put in a head
which he could not draw from life, had omitted him.
Some time after a gentleman who was a stranger to
Trumbull called to see the picture. After looking at it
attentively, he observed that it was a great pity all the
signers were not on the canvas, and expressed great
regret that Col. Harrison was left out. Trumbull
inquired if he knew the Colonel, and the stranger
replied ' he was my fatlierJ ' Did he look like you T
said the artist. ' No,' was the reply ; 'but I can tell you
how he looked.' Trumbull immediately took his poncil
and drew from the son's description. Upon shewing
him the drawing it was pronounced an accurate likeness,
and the artist added it to the group.

" At ten in the morning, (after leaving the picture-
gallery,) we attended an address before the Alumni of
the College. But I came away as wise as I went, not
being able to hear a word. The speaker's voice was too
low, and ere he closed two-thirds of the audience had
left, being unable to hear him. It was a great pity
that so much good, (for I presume it tvas good,) should
be lost for w^ant of sufficient voice to make it audible.
In the afternoon we heard addresses from theological
students. At half-past five we went to ride over the
beautiful city, and returning spent the evening in social

converse at Mr. AV 's. Here we met ]\Ir. Wallcut,

formerly a missionary to Syria, but now a settled pastor
in a beautiful village at Long Meadow, Mass.

" The next day being Commencement day, we started

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA R. RACOX. 231

early that wo iniglit secure good seats. Mrs. B and

myself, having a son and nephew ahout to graduate
were favored above many others in having tickets to
the platform. Even here was a choice of seats ; but
going so early we had good places assigned us. Mrs. J.
B. did not attend in the afternoon, feeling rather
indisposed. But I wished to see the whole, and perse-
vered, althougli quite weary, and I as.^ure you I felt
well rewarded. But I must close my descriptions, for
my side aches badly with the effort of writing so long a
letter, and it is late in the evenino-. So o'ood-nio'lit,
dear mother. Yours,

" Lydia B. Bacon.''

To the same.

''JSfovemher 5, 1845.
" My dear Mother: — 1 am wonderfully at leisure this
morning, and shall devote an hour or so in telling you
about the new Sailor's Home in Boston, in which you
have felt so much interest. The quilt which you were
making for it will be very acceptable, as they have now
commenced house-keeping. Mrs. More, with her hus-
band and sister A , passed the afternoon with us

during their visit to the city.* Mrs. H. was prevented
from coming with them by indisposition. She is very
feeble, having every thing in life desirable but health
AYithout this nothing earthly can be enjoyed, as we all
know more or less by experience. I do love Mr. and
Mrs. More, and their visit was very pleasant to me. On
Wednesday the new Home was thrown open for the re-
ception of company, visitors paying twenly-five cents for
admittance. This fee was asked to raise a sum for the

232 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

completion of tlio building, which is delayed for want of
funds. All the furniture has been received as a dona-
tion from different societies and individuals. The
materials arc of good quality, but made plain to
correspond with the building. The latter is large and
commodious, but not one cent is spent for unnecessary
ornament. This is as it should be. I wish it were so in
all our houses of every description, at least so long as
there is such a crying tuaiit of money for purposes of
usefulness and charity. The Home is really worth
seeing. It is five stories high ; the first story, which is
partly under ground, contains the washing, ironing,
bathing-rooms and collars. In the second are the
kitchens, pantries and dining-rooms, all of which are
very large and convenient. The third story has a
spacious reading-room, two large parlors with folding
doors, a smoking-room, leading to a piazza, and an oflice
and parlor, with other apartments for the family having
charge of the Institution. The fourth and fifth stories
are divided into chambers, with two single beds in most
of them. These are furnished each with a table, two
chairs, a mirror and a lamp. On each table is a Bible,
and on some of them other good books. There are also
pin-cushions, needle cases, thread and buttons, that the
poor sailor may mend his clothes. None of these
articles are to be taken from the rooms, but are free to
the use of each succeeding occupant. It was quite
amusing to observe the variet}' of bed-quilts which have
been furnished. Hardly any two are alike. I saw one
with white squares written over with texts of Scripture,
pretty verses and kind wishes for poor Jack. I thonglit
while looking at them how many pleasant hours different

BIOGRArilY OF MRP. LYDIA B. BACON. 233

circles of ladios liail passed too;etlier while making
articles for the comfort of the liardy sailor. Oli, it was
cnorigli to do one's heart good to see these tokens of
regarJ for a class of men wlio are so serviceable to the
■worhl, and of wliom the world thinks so little. I re-
gretted that we had not done something in Chelsea
towards famishing the house beside our contribution for
the building, wliieh amounted to sixty dollars.

" Tables were set in the Home covered with useful
and fancy articles for sale. Thi'se articles were given
by benevolent persons, and tlie tables gratuitously
tended. The avails were to be added to the funds for
the completion of the building. I believe that about
five hundred dollars was realized for this purpose. As
I passed througli the chambers and saw the nice soft
beds, I thought how many poor sons of the ocean, as
they lay their weary heads upon the pillows provided for
their comfort by the fair daughters of New England,
will bless them for their labor of love. How much
better that our young ladies should be tlius employed
than to spend their time in adorning their own persons
and ministering to vanity and folly. This establishment
is a noble one, and worthy of our good city.

"The weather has been very pleasant of late. Yes-
terday, however, there was a storm ; but it has now
cleared away, and is threatening to freeze hard. Our
plants in tlie house look finely, and we are mostly
prepared for winter. How is your health, dear motlier?
and how is sister A.? Djes the coming winter look
long in pro^px^t? I hope it may prove a comfortable

one to you. E sails to-day. She will have, (as the

sailors say,) a spanking breeze and pleasant weather.
20*

234 BIOGKAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON".

May fi Vnv} Providence protect lier and give tlie winds
and tlie waves charge concerning lier. Mj love to all,
ill wliicli Josiali heartily joins.

" Your affectionate child,

" L. B. Bacon."

To the same.

'' Be.cemher olsf, 1845.

"You will perceive, my dear mother, by the date,
that this is the last day of the year, a period of time
which naturally suggests most serious reflections.

"Mr. Langworthy has improved the occasion by a
very solemn discourse. His text was ' Where art thou?^
and the subject was applied to the different classes of
'his hearers, who listened with earnest and profound at-
tention. It well becomes us to ask ourselves, wJiere
are tve, icliat a7'e ive doing, and tvJdtJier are tve going f
If Christians, are we in the path of duty? and are we
contented that our heavenl}^ Father should mete out
our charges for us without giving us the whg or the
wherefore.

" Another year is added to the many we have seen, all
filled with mercies, all rich with tokens of the divine
goodness. But what returns have we made fur all his
manifestations of kindness and grace toward us. I can
see nothing in my own case at all answerable to the
mercies received ; and reviewing my life I am con-
Btrained to call myself an unprofitable servant, an un-
grateful sinner. At present I am constantly reminded
of the uncertainty of life. My infirmities are increas-
ing, and I am increasingly liable to sudden death. Yet
fihould the brittle thread of my life be snapped sudden-

BIOGKAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. ^6b

Ij to otliors, it will not and oiinlit net to bo so to mo.
Idle ddily, innsmiuli as sure disease is making constant
progress. Yet I cannot always bring death near to my-
self. Allliongli so conversant with it, and so often an
attendant upon tlie dying, yet I cannot always realize as I
wish the sohmn trnth, ' tliis year thou mayest die/ and
* in sucli an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.'
Oh, liow slow are our unUdii^'ing hearts to credit either
the promises or the tlireatenings of tlie Almighty.
Pray for me, dear mothi^r, that I may bi' p:-ej)ared for
whatever awaits me anti mine. Oar dear pn^itor is very
much engaged in religious things, and there seems to
be more altention in our church and congregation than
there has been of late.

" Jamiary l,*f, 1 84G. A happy new year to my dear
motlu r and sisters and all my good fVicnds in Sandwich.
It. is cliaimijig weather today for those who visit their
friends wl'di the compliments of the season. Wo re
ceived tlie bed-quilts and articles which you sent in good
order. Wo liiive sent the largest quilt to ' the Sailor's
Home.' and the small one with the other things to ' the
Widi.w and Fatherless Society.' In both instances they
wei'e very grat; fully receivinl.

" Since I wrote last we have had some affjcting cases
of sickness and death at the Hospital. TuO were
sufferei-s frcm the effects of rum. One of these had
' delii-iuni-trenuMis,' and died in twenty four hours after
he was brouglit in, in awful horror of mind. Tlie other
lingered a few days and tl;en went to hlsac;ount. The
last was a well educated man about fifty yeai-s of age,
good-looking, and of })l(asing address. 01), it was

236 EIOGRAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

licart-sickciiiiio' to see oiu^ so endowed by heaven debased
in liis own eyes and in that of liis fellow men. He ex-
pressed thanks tliat he was permitted to die among
Christian people ; bnt liis mind was so weak and wander-
ing that he could converse but little. He was very
grateful for any attention, and smiled whenever I went
to see him. AVe hoped he would rally sufficiently to
have his mind directed to ' the Lamb of God,' but the
mandate had gone foi'tli, 'ciit him down/ and he died
as he lived, withont God and without hope. Poor
fellow ! ' bitter that he had never been born.' His
mother was spared the ag ny of seeing a once darling
child so lost and degraded. The third death wa^ that
of a colored seaman ; his disea.-e Wiis consumption. I
hope that he realized his situation, and was in some
measure prepared to meet it. He was veiy patient and
appeared submissive to his fate. He was very fond of
hearing me read the Bible, and used to say ' he could
bear it all night, he loved it so well.' He breathed his
last as ea.-y and peaceful as a little child going to sleep.
He had a wife, who with other colored friends attended
his funeral, at which Mr. Beanmn, a colored clergyman,
officiated. Thus three times in one week were we called
to bury the dead.

"Dear Abby, we have now in the H')spital as a
jiatient, an old acquaintance of yours. He recollects
you peifi'ctly, and was acquainted with all our friends
at Sa.kctt's Harbor. AVe often meet iho.-,e who have
known om- friends, but here was one who had once
actually been in husband's employ. He is a clever
man. Wo have three sailors in the house over sixty
years of age, and neiiher of them fit to go to tea again.

BIOr.RArilY OF MRS. LYDTA B. T5A00N. 237

When I sec sncli poor, worn-out sailors, I feel a^ if I
wanted to see them in a good home. How mueli we
need a snvr/ harbor for such shattered hulks. One of
these old sailors was a twin chill. His sister, (his other
half, as he called her,) died at eleven years, and they
were two of eighteen children horn of the same mother.
The rest all lived to grow up and settle in life. The
sons, ton in numher, were all farmers but this one.
He wished ' to see the tvorld,' and he has seen it to his sor-
roiv. He is a sensible man, and appears well disposed.
Yesterday he went to the city to see his cousin ; when
he returned he brought me some figs from her. He
said he told her that 1 went into the wards to see the
poor sailor ; and she said, ' she must send that dear old
lady a present.' The figs are very nice, and I send a
part of them to you.

"Anna is well, and enjoys herself; she is going to
Mrs. Manning's this afternoon, and tomorrow will pass

the day with J , and bring L home with her.

She attends two evening meetings in the vreek, and one
Lyceum. Adieu, dear mother and sister. With love to
all, I remain

" Yours most affectionately,

" Lydia."

The preceding letter is the latest one in the writer's
possession, addressed to the dear mother v.hom this
daughter so loved and venerated. Between the date of
this and the one wliich follows, is a gap of sixteen
months. During this period Mrs. Bacon visited her be-
loved parent, and witnessing her increased infirmities
felt that possibly this was her last visit. Her account

238 BIOGEAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^^.

of ifc is on veil in a letter to her friend Mrs. B., -wliicli is
dated Feb. 11th, 1848, to which the reader is referred.

Well does the writer remember the happy pride with
which Mrs. B. exhibited to her some bed-quilts and other
useful articles wliich her mother had assisted in making
for the Sailor's Home and the Society for the Widow
and Fatherless. '' Are not these stitches beautiful,^'
said she, "for an old lady of eighty-six years?''

Her expressions of attachment to and fondness for
her only surviving parent were frequent and endearing,
though always natural and unaffected. After Mrs. B's
return from the last visit to her mother, I called to
greet her, and found her standing by her mother's
portrait with a look of touching sadness. After my
salutation w^as returned her eyes again sought the
picture, and w^ith a pathos not to be described she said,
"I shall not sec that blessed mother again in life. I
shall meet her no more till we cast our crowns together
at a Saviour's feet." Then adding, " but oh, shall one
so uiuoo7^tliy as I be permitted to join the blessed
above?" She burst into a flood of tears. Having
always regarded ]\Irs. Bacon as a most exemplary
Christian, I was struck with her emotion, and could not
refrain from saying to her, " Surely you do not doubt
your acceptance." Smiling through her tears she
replied with her usual sweetness, " Yes, dear, when I
look only at myself 1 am full of doubts, hut ivlien I look
to Clirht all is peace." She then added that to her
** one of h'aven's greatest attractions was that there
she should be freed from sin, and thus have no drawback
to her w^orship or her enjoyment." I remember being
forcibly struck wdth her declaration that " it would bo

BIOGRAPHY OF MR=5. LYDTA V,. BACOX. 200

710 lienvcn to lier if .she iniist carry licr sins Avitli licr."
Perfect and universal purity was indispensable to lier
idea of perfect happini^ss.

The lirst call wliich I made upon her aft;-r the
decease of her beloved parent she took me by the hand
and said, *' I have lost the best mother that ever a
daughter had ; but heaven has gained a saint, and
Jesus a new jewel for his crown/^

Her mother's death took place, and is alluded to
briefly in the following letter to her friend, which was
written during tlie succeeding spring.

To Mrs. B , of Sackctt's Harbor.

" Chelsea, April IStJi, 1847.

"My ever dear sister: — Your precious letter was
very, very welcome, and I embrace the first opportunity
to tell you so, and to assure you of our unabated affec-
tion for yourself and your darling cliild. Such a train
of thought rushes into my mind when I hear from you,
such a vivid recollection of the many pleasant hours we
have passed together, of the many kindnesses received
from you, that my heart is filled to overflowing. I
almost wish for a fairy's wing to waft me to you, that I
mio'ht tell all I think and feel to the loved sister who
has so often sympathized in my joys and sorrows.

" We have recently received a letter from Mrs. Boyd,
after a protracted silence, reviving our remembrances of
the many interesting circumstances connected with our
intimacy. Those memories can never be efl'aced. But
oh, how many changes have taken place since those
days, both with her and with me. How full of passing
events is the present moment. Our country is again

240 ETOGIIAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

involved in war, bringing in its train all the multiplied
evils which it involves," and death is selecting its shining
marks to make us feel its horrors more deeply. You
see by the papers that some of the officers with whom
we were acquainted are among the most conspicuous in
the discharge of duty. Let our fervent prayers ascend
that the nations may learn war no more, and the Prince
of Peace rnli' in every lieart. You can imagine that we
feel more than ordinary interest in this war, so many of
our former associates being engaged in it, and its inci-
dents recalling so many events connected with our own
experience. Bat I dare not trust my pen on this
subject.

" AVe were delighted to hear that you and your sweet
Harriet were well. You have a blessing indeed in such
a child. I rejoice with you sincerely, and hope that she
may be spared to cheer the remainder of your pilgrim-
age. What a kind Providence it was that permitted us
all to meet once more under such propitious circum-
stances. We have visited Mount Auburn since your
return. I cannot tell you how much we thouglit of you
and your dear ones. It is a most solemn place to me,
notwithstanding it is so beautiful, and so embellished
by nature and art.

*' You have heard tliat I have been called to part
with her who gave me birth. Now I know indeed what
it is to be motlierless. How incxprcssihlif lonely is the
feeling ! My dear mother had lived beyond tlie common
age of man, being eighty-six years old. For the last
few years she has struggled through infirmities, which,
though not of a violent nature, w^ere undermining her
constitution, and made her an easy victim. Her death

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 241

was quiet and peaceful, surrounded by lier cliildren, all
vieing' with each other in kind attentions. I have her
picture, taken about two years previous to her decease ;
it is an excellent likeness. When I look at it, and
think that slie is gone, I cannot describe my feelings of
sadness. But I reflect upon her happiness in the
presence of her Saviour, all her doubts and fears re-
moved, freed from infirmities and from sin, and my
fervent ejaculation is, ' the will of the Lord be done !'
" I often hear from Mrs. Judd, through my sister

A , whose son has returned to the Sandwich Islands

with his family. He edits the State paper called the
Polynesian. Dr. Judd is Secretary of State, and his

wife, (our own little L ,) is a lady of the first rank

at the Hawaian Court. She is thouglit to be the most
elegant woman there. My nephew's intimacy with Dr.
and Mrs. J has been continued with increased affec-
tion and confidence. He describes their family as very
lovely, and exceedingly well-educated in every sense of

the word. Little did I think when L and myself

resided under the same roof at Sackett's, that in future
years the welfare and happiness of one of my own dear
kinsmen would be so pleasantly connected with her. Is

it not a wonderful Providence ? J is in mercantile

business, with a partner, in addition to his literary em-
ployment. He has adopted the country as his own,
looking upon it as his future home, and desirous to use
all his efforts for its welfare and prosperity. So my
desire that some of our numerous offspring should be
useful to the heathen has been gratified in part. To
have one of them a Christian missionary is more than
21

242 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

God sees fit to grant, more, (I acknowledge,) than
I deserve.

" I am glad that your sweet boy, (the son of our dear
Francis,) is situated so much to your mind. I hope he
may prove every thing that you could wish. You have,
I am sure, trained him in the way he should go, and
may trust the promise that he will not depart from it-
Where is the little sister ? I should love to see them
both, and hope that I may at some future time.
Eemember us with much affection to Harriet, and also
to all those who feel an interest in us, especially to our

good friends the C families, Mr. G s, and the

S s. Anna is with us, and begs to join us in these

kind remembrances. She has the promise of accompany-
ing us to the Harbor when the railroad to it is com-
pleted, should such an event happen ere our pilgrimage
is ended.

" We are still, as you see, at the Hospital, a kind
Providence having permitted us thus far to retain a post
where opportunity is afforded for the improvement of
our talents, be they one or many. Oh, may it be found
at the last that we have not buried them in the earth or
hid them in a napkin. We have about sixty patients
now from all nations ; poor fellows, my heart aches for
them.

" The spring with us is very backward, though the
birds carol forth their sweet notes. But I must say adieu.

" Yours faithfully,

" Lydia Bacon."

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 243

The following letter, written by Mrs. Bacon to her
sister T. at Sandwich, shews her deep interest and
tender sympathy in all that befell her friends, whether
prosperous or adverse. The wedding of her sister J^s
daughter in Boston, the death of two of her most valued
Chelsea friends, are mentioned with the emotion which
each event was calculated to produce. With the latter
incidents the writer of these pages w^as perfectly
familiar, and can testify to the truthfulness of hbr
friend's description. She thinks it not improper to add
here that the three motherless daughters of Mrs. De

B , referred to in the following letter, are now

blessed with a pious step-mother, who is diligently and
successfully training them in the paths of peace and
virtue, and making their home as happy as their
lamented mother could have desired.

To Mrs. S .

*' October, 1847.

" My dear sister : — For many days I have been trying
to find a few leisure moments to write you, but have
been more than usually occupied. Scenes both joyous
and painful have filled up all the passing moments.
But at length I find myself alone, w^ith the prospect of
being able to devote a few moments to you, and will
detail some of the most important events which have
transpired since I w^rote you last. And first, the ivedding.
I wish you had all been here to witness it. It was truly
a pleasant sight. The youthful pair in all the freshness
and joyousness of first love, went through the ceremony
with great propriety and becoming dignity. I never
saw the Episcopal form of marriage before, except once

244 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO:^.

where a part of the service was omitted. Dr. V

officiated. The bride and groom looked charmingly,
being dressed with becoming simplicity and elegance.

'' And now I have a very different scene to present.
For the last fortnio^ht our church has been in a state of
great anxiety on account of the severe sickness of two
of our beloved sisters : and we have followed them both

to 'the grave. Mrs. De B , (in whom you became

interested last winter,) after months of intense suffering
has gone to her home above. She had a lovely family,
and every thing to make life desirable, but bowed her
head submissively to her Father's will, commending to
His care her throe little daughters, so soon to be
motherless. Her last thoughts wei*e of the Saviour, and
her last audible words, ' thechiefest among ten thousand,
and altogether lovely ; yes, altogether lovely.'

'^ The other death was that of Mrs. Norton, mother
to the young man whom you heard speak in our sailors'
meeting. She was a very active member of our female
prayer-meeting, where she Avill be greatly missed. She
was sick three weeks or more with the dysentery.
She suffered much in body, but her mind was calm and
joyful, and her faith triumphant. The Saviour, the
Almighty Saviour, was her theme. She dwelt much
upon his divinity. ' Were Jesus oiili/ a man,'' she would
say, ' how could I trust my soul to him in such an hour
as this? But he is God — I know it, I feel it ; my feet
are on the roclc of ages ; the everlasting arm is under-
neath me, and none shall be able to pluck me out of his
hand.' She retained her reason to the last. As her
family and friends stood around her dying bed she

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 245

sloTvIy raised her wasted finger, and pointing upward
said, with a heavenly smile, * Home,' and breathed her
last. Very sweet has been my intercourse with both
these deceased sisters ; it will be long before their places
will be filled. These are not unmeaning providences ;
may we receive the admonition God intends. Adieu,
dear sister. Yours ever,

*'Lydia B. Bacon."

To Mrs. S , whose son was in a hopeless decline,

she wrote as follows :

''November 15th, 1847.
" My dear sister: — I have endeavored for many days
past to find time to write you a few lines, and have not
succeeded until this morning. Every moment of my
time seems to be full of occupation, and yet I often ask
myself, ' what have I accomplished ?' True, I do my
own sewing, besides attending to the numerous wants of
my family, which numbers one hundred. Yet I write
but little compared with what I used to do, as the
exertion always hurts my side. I acknowledge I am
becoming a very poor correspondent, both as to the
quality and frequency of my letters. But as I really
have a strong desire to write, which my health and my
cares only prevent, you must * take the will for the
deed.' Do not think that I love my sisters less because
my letters are ' few and far between.' Neither must
you imagine that the constant demand upon my sympa-
thies in behalf of the sick and sad in my home sphere
makes me less sensitive to 7/our sorrows. I know the
desolate feeling that must fill your tender heart as you
21*

246 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

look upon the wasting form of your beloved son. My
dear sister, I do pity you and pray for you. I cannot
but hope that God in his infinite mercy will spare your

dear T , and raise him up from this sickness to be

an ornament to his profession and a blessing to the
world. But if in his unerring wisdom he shall order
otherwise, may he give you and his friends resignation
to the divine will. Especially do I pray that dear

T may bow submissively to the disappointment of

his plans and hopes. May he trust wholly in that
divine Eedeemer who alone can clease our souls from
guilt ; may he seek earnestly that forgiveness and
acceptance which will fit him to live or enable him to
die in peace. This sudden sickness is a sad blow to all
his friends, who have become exceedingly interested in
him. May we be enabled to say, ' the will of the Lord
be done.' We know that our heavenly Father cares for
us ; that he watches over this earth so closely that not a
sparrow falls to the ground without his notice. Let us
then feel, my sister, that whatever he wills respecting us
as individuals is rifvht. Let us cultivate the habit of
trusting him implicitly, and he will give us grace and
strength to help in each time of need. Time is fast
receding from us all. A few more days and we shall all
put oflPthis earthly tabernacle and fill the places assign-
ed us in the world to come. Our family has hitherto been
remarkably exempted from the strokes of death ; but it
cannot always be so. I feel for myself that my tim^'.
will probably be very short, as I have admonitory
symptoms which cannot be mistaken. May it be my
chief concern ' to make my calling and election sure/
" I hope to send this by Josiah, and also some grapes

EIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 247

and jollies for the clear invalid. Give liim my love, and
toll liini that 1 think of him and pray for him. Anna
is writing a letter to go with this. Remember us to all
friends, and believe me,

" Your affectionate sister,

" Lydia."

To the same.

''December IQili, 1S47.

" I received yours, dear sister, without date, and
hasten to answer it. I have just returned from my
daily visit to the wards, where I have been endeavoring
to sympathize with a young sailor who is in a consump-
tion. The doctor says his time hero is very short, but
the poor fellow docs not realize it as he should. He
would like to die, tliat ho may be released from suffer-
ing : as he believes that he is punished here as much as
he deserves, and that he ought to be rewarded hereafter.
Oh, how dreadful to see people so deceived! I gave
him some comforts for the body, and left him a tract,
which he promised to read.

" Prom him I turn to sympathize with you, my sister,
and to tell you how truly I feel for you. Altliough I
have no children of my own, still I think I can feel for
those who see their dear offspring slowly wasting before
their eyes and soon to be on earth no more. I pray
that our heavenly Father will strengthen you to bear
this heavy trial, and to meet the still heavier stroke
which now seems to be so near. It is a great comfort,
dear sister, tliat you can liavc him with you and be able
to make him so comfortable. Thus the Lord mingles
mercies in each bitter cup. He ' doth not willingly

248 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

afflict or grieve the cliildren of men/ but chastens us
* for our profit, that we may be partakers of his

holiness. I hope our dear T will cast himself into

the arms of a redeeming Saviour with humility,
penitence and faith. However upright and moral a
man may be, he can never be saved except through the
atoning sacrifice of the Lamb of God. ' His blood
cleanseth from all sin/

" We miss Anna very much, and should like to have
her return whenever you can spare her. Do not confine
her to the house too much ; she has a great deal of air
and exercise here, and close confinement will be very

injurious to her health. K has not been here yet

to stay. Aunt J wishes her to pass a week there

before she herself leaves for New York. She is going
thither to stay a few weeks under the care of a cele-
brated physician, the same who has helped A M

so much. I have not seen the P s since Anna left,

the weather and the walkins; havino; been the most of
the time very unpleasant. I attend the Lowell lectures
it is true, but I ride to the door and return directly, and
cannot stop for calls. Dr. Potter's lectures are the best
I ever heard at the Institute ; his subject is * the soul
and mind of man,' — the highest subject, next to Deity,
upon which human lips can speak. The Doctor has a
crowded house, and is listened to with the most interested
attention. His speaking is easy, distinct and graceful.
The lectures before the Mercantile Library Association
are also well attended, and the lectures as reported are
certaiuly very interesting.

" And last, hut hy no means least, our own Tuesday

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 249

evening lectures, from Mr. Langwortliy, are most
excellent. His subject is, ' The duties and responsibili-
ties of the Christian.' I think I never knew them so
forcibly presented or so impressively urged before. I
want every body should hear them. "We have also very
interesting temperance meetings. Your Uncle Bacon,
Annie, is much engaged in promoting this good cause.

Next Monday evening Mr. d's scholars arc to

give a concert of music ; I expect to enjoy it very much
if I should be permitted to be present.

" Capt. A is to leave the first of January. Ho

has just received from a deceased friend the sum of
^5000. This is very opportune, as he was wrecked
previous to coming here, and not being insured lost his
all. I am really glad for his good fortune in receiving
a bequest which will place him above want. He now
intends having his useless foot taken off and a cork one
substituted. I rather fear the latter article vrill be in
demand since the Mexican war has crippled so many.
Should this raise the price so much that poor soldiers
are not able to purchase this powerful auxiliary to
locomotion, I think the Government in whose behalf
they suffered ought to supply them with so important a

" The boy with the bruised arm is still here, and is

recovering slowly. Mr. started for Snug Harbor

this afternoon. Mr. E gave him free tickets,

Josiah furnished him with a little of the needful, and I
put up for him a basket of provisions for the journey.

'' D 's miniature vessel is finished at last, and

was launched about a week since ; it was very hand-
some. The man carried it home and was liberally

250 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LTDIA B. BACON.

rewarded ; he returned very mucli pleased "witli the
"house, the lady, and the money. In love, I remain,

" Yours,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To the same, on receivino; intellio-ence of her son's
decease.

''January Sth, 1848.
" Mj dear sister : — Though we have for some days
feared, and were thus in some measure prepared for the
sad tidings of dear Theodore's decease, yet when we
learned that it had actually taken place I found that
hope of his recovery had predominated in our breasts.
Oh, that God would give us each grace to say, ' Thy
will, not mine, be done.' We need divine help to attain
that humble submission to our Father's will wliich is so
desirable and so necessary. This our heavenly Father
requires of us, even under such severe affliction as that
which now rends your maternal bosom. The desire of
your eyes is taken from you at a stroke. He was
a son every way worthy of jour warmest affections : one
to whom you were looking as a solace and support to
your declining years : one who bade fair to be an
ornament to society and a comfort to us all. All our
fondest wishes could not keep him ; human love and
skill could not save him from the grasp of death.
There is only one solace — and is it not sufficient ? — our
Father in heaven saw it best to take him, and allows us
to hope that our loss is the dear one's gain. I feel
assured that amid this stunnino; affliction vou will strive
to say, with God's dear servant of old, * The Lord gave,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 251

and the Lord hatli taken away, and blessed be the name
of the Lord.'

" We trust tliat this bereavement will be sanctified to
us all. May we receive the admonition that this painful
dispensation is intended to give, and be ready when our
summons shall come to lay aside the flesh which now
cumbers the immortal spirit. Soon, very soon, some
one of us who now survive will be called to follow our
departed T. Oh, may we not only be prepared to go,
but anticipate our departure with pleasure. Dear sister,
we do sympathize with you most truly in this sore dis-
appointment of your most fondly cherished hopes.
Although I am not a mother, and may not know
exactly a mother's grief, yet I feel deeply, tenderly for
you, and pray our Father in heaven to comfort you.
Eemember that it is He who hath done it; not an
enemy, but your best friend ; and he has promised to
bind up your broken heart if you will cast your care on
him. Lean then upon his Almighty arm, and he will
give you * the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment
of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' To his grace I
commend you, husband joining with me in love and
sympathy.

*' This letter is necessarily short, as I wished to send
it by Joseph, and have met with many interruptions
while writing. When you can spare Anna we shall be
glad to have her return. God bless and keep you all,
is the prayer of

" Your affectionate sister,

*' Lydia B. Bacox.''

252 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

The letter wliicli follows was addressed to her beloved
Mrs. Boyd, who was the " dear Elizabeth " of her
earlier correspondence.

''February Wtli, 1848.
'' Thanks — a thousand thanks for your highly inter-
esting letter. It was indeed refreshing to my spirits to
receive so rich an evidence of your continued affection,
though I have never doubted it for a moment. It was so
deliglitful to hear from you and yours, and also from
the many others linked with you in memory's chain and
in the closest affections of my heart. But especially
did I prize tidings from the beloved members of your
family, whose kindness never-failing in the hour of need
was so grateful to us then, and will be gratefully re-
membered ' while life and thouoht and beino; lasts.'
Your beloved mother and grandmother: how kind, how
delicate were their attentions. i\nd your father was no
less our constant friend. My heart swells with grati-
tude to our Father in heaven for strewing in my path
so many flowers all along life's toilsome way. When I
look back for tlie shadows of my pilgrimage they are
almost lost in the sunshine of divine goodness that has
poured its radiance around me. And mercy still follows
us ; we are continued in this situation where we can be
active and useful if we will. Pray for us, that while
the diseased body of the poor sailor is cared for, tlie sin-
sick soul may not be forgotten or neglected. In both
these respects we have constant calls upon our sympa-
thies and best efforts, and it is very pleasant to be able
in any degree to alleviate suffering, whether of mind or
body.

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 253

" I know you would feel for tlie sailor. He lias a
claim upon the consideration of all, for he certainly
contributes to the comforts and luxuries of all. And yet
what does the poor seaman receive in return hut hard
fare and often hard usage. Thanks to him who once
' pressed a sailor's pillow/ and selected for his bosom
friends some of this humble class, a better day seem^
dawning upon ' the sons of tlie Ocean.' The weather-
beaten tar is beginning to feel and to act as if he too
belonged to the immortal part of God's creation. We
often have very interesting cases among those who are
brought to the Hospital. Over six tJiousand have been
here since our sojourn in this place, a period of nearly
seven years. With three-fourths of this number Ihave
had personal conversation. What a responsibility. Wo
to us if we are unfaithful to such a trust ! But I have
dwelt long enough upon this subject ; my apology must
be that it is one which lies very near my heart.

" It gave us great pleasure to hear that you were so
well. Nothino; would oive us more satisfaction than to
visit you at your own home and behold you surrounded
by your little flock. Should our lives be spared till
the railroad communicates with your place we shall
certainly try to come. But life is very uncertain, and. I
am daily admonished, both by my own infirmities and
the deaths of my friends and neighbors, that this is not
my home. Well, if I am prepared for an exchange of
worlds, no matter how soon my summons shall come.
For however j^leasant or desirable the situation we may
occupy here, yet heaven is better. Oh, for that faith
which will enable us to feel alvrays as the apostle, that
while it was better to depart and be with Christ, we are
22

254 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

willing to stay and suffer here if our Master requires.
This state of mind would he easy to attain if our faith
and love were commensurate with God's gracious and
blessed promises to those who trust him. Is it not
delightful, when we get a glimpse of the blessed haven
of eternal rest, to reflect that the time is coming when
we shall be admitted to its blessedness? Then shall
we worship God in the beauty of holiness, without
temptations to annoy or sin to mar our services. Our
praises will then be spontaneous and pure, and while we
gaze with rapture on that divine Saviour who died to
redeem us, our united song shall burst forth in the
strain, ' Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and
honor, and glory, and blessing.' Shall we indeed be
permitted to svrell that strain ? And will it be ours to
join in the answering chorus, ' Blessing and honor, and
glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.' How many
of our dear friends have preceded us to that better
country.

" Since I wrote you last I have lost my dear aged
mother, eighty-six years of age. She slept in Jesus,
and ' her children buried her.' Her last work on earth
was for the widow and fatherless. I visited her a short
time before her death, and spent two weeks with her.
It was a pleasant and I trust a profitable visit. As I
left her she took me in her arms and blessed mo saying,
* I never shall see you again.' The next time I saw
her she was on the same spot where we took our last
farewell for time, hut in her coffin.

*' We are rejoiced to hear that your dear parents and

BIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYPIA B. EACOX. 255

granclmotlicr are so well. Surely the latter is blessed
with a green old age in the midst of her numerous
progeny. Give our kind regards to her and to them
all. How vividly, as I write, they all come in review
before me. It seems but as yesterday since I was
associated with them in the dear Sabbath school, and
passed so many happy liours in the Bible class with my
beloved Elizabeth at my side.

*' I received a letter yesterday from sister Harriet B.,
for which I have been looking for several long months.
I am rejoiced to hear that her darling daughter is
happily united to one who seems every way worth}^ of
her. He was chosen, I doubt not, both by mother and
child for his intrinsic worth. There is a young lady in
Boston who has a large fortune, and wishes to wed a
deserving young man who is poor. Her father rejects
him with scorn, telling his child that she ought to look
for a fortune with a husband, and gives a reason which
strikes me most singularly, viz : that she has so much
money she ought to marry rich.

" My sentiments respecting the war coincide exactly

with yours. I hope should E be spared, the

experience which he may gain in his present situation
will be of importance to his whole future life, and that
he may return unscathed shall be my prayer and hope.
This, dear Elizabeth, I consider possible, even to the

soldier. For has not E been reared in the nursery

of piety and virtue ? Has he not been taught to raise
his infant heart in praise and prayer to his God and
Father ? And will not the pious counsels which he has
received in his early days abide with him, and be a safe-
guard in the time of trial and temptation ? Often will

256 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

lie think of dear friends at home — the sweet home of
childhood and riper years. How will the tender love of
parents, the sweet affection of ' hirth-mates ^ rise to his
rememhrance and fill his heart till his eyes overflow
with manly tears.

" You know, dearest, that my husband wTnt into the
army young, (in the war for sailor's rights,) and I
accompanied him. I can then speak from experience,
for our early instruction was like a seven-fold shield
around us. And the restraining grace of God enabled
us to resist much that was evil. Take comfort then ;

pray much for your dear E , and w^rite to him often,

that he may be reminded of your affectionate solicitude
and feel the force of early ties. God guard him, and
bless you all.

" Yours ever,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. H. B., of Sackett's Harbor, upon the mar-
riage of her only daughter.

'' Fehruary 23, 1848.
" Right glad was I, my dear sister Harriet, to receive
your long looked for, and most deeply interesting epistle.
I felt assured that the neswpaper which I received a
short time since, was only the harbinger to a more full
account of the late happy addition to your family circle.

We congratulate you that your dear H is united to

one who (from the description of disinterested friends,)
we judge to be most worthy of her. Dear sister, may
your heart be filled with gratitude to the Giver of all
good, for such a happy consummation of your hopes for

BIOGRAniY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 257

your only dauglitcr. Swcot Harriet, the beloved cliild
of my aftections, whom I cradled in my arms during the
first moments of her conscious existence, what shall I
say to her ? For several years I watched the promising
hud of artless childhood. After the separation of sev-
eral intervening years, I again saw that bud of promise
blossctned into beautiful womanhood — just such a char-
acter as I desired and expected to see developed. And
now she has chosen as her companion for life, one with
whom she has every rational prospect of happiness,
obeying the injunction to marry in the Lord. May your
precious lives, dear friends, be spared to each other —
may you grow in grace and in the knowledge of God.
Then, while journeying through your earthly pilgrim-
age, you will taste life's sweetest joys, be prepared for
its sorrows, if they come, and enter at last into that
rest for the people of God. You make me ashamed,
sister IL, of my inefficiency, when I see how constantly
you are engaged in promoting the happiness of all whom
providence places within your reach. When I compare
myself with you, I feel as if I had done nothing that
cost me any sacrifice or self-denial. All that I have
done has been so easy and pleasant that I often reproach
myself as bearing no cross. And life with me is ebbing
fast ; soon, very soon, will the night of death come and
close all my earthly labors. Pray for me, dearest, that
I may be more diligent and efficient in my Master's
cause. You ask after our health. Mr. Bacon's is very
good, though he is just now afflicted with a cold. Mine
is not good at all, and yet no one would judge from my
appearance that I had any aches or pains. But I feel
that life may soon terminate with me ; all I desire is t^
22*

258 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

"be prepared to go joyfully when my snmmons comes.
Oh, for that faith which will enable me to welcome
death, ' the end of cares, the end of sins/

" My niece, Anna S , is with us altogether, except

occasional visits to her family at Sandwich. She went
down there this winter to spend Thanksgiving, and
found a sick brother rapidly declining with quick con-
sumptioik He w^as a medical student and a very prom-
ising young man. He was two years older than Anna,
and one in whom many hopes were clustered ; alas !
only to fcide. His mother feels it deeply but bears the
blow like a Christian. He was her youngest son ; and
from being so near to Anna in age, was her favorite
brother and companion. He was expecting to study
practice in the Hospital, and w^e w^re promising our-
selves much pleasure from having him with us. But
God prepared him and then took him to himself

*' My dear Harriet, there is one part of your letter
which it really requires some philosophy to read with
patience. It is the information that you came so near
to us and yet w^e did not meet. I verily believe that
you w'ere in New York at the same time that w^e were.
Why could w^e not have known it ? I visited our old

friends, the S family, and had a most delightful

time. Mr. and Mrs. S. are not much altered during the
years since w^e met. Her hair is of the same beautiful
golden hue, and shades her open white brow as sweetly
as ever. We talked of you and all dear friends at
Sackett's ; nor did we part until we had once more knelt
at a throne of grace to supplicate blessings for them and
for ourselves. This reminded me forcibly and touch-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 259

inglj of the times wlien our little band used to meet
and mingle our prayers with you and others wlio liave
entered the ' better land.'

" We visited Staten Island and the Seamen's Retreat,
and Snug Harbor, located there. These are most excel-
lent establishments for the comfort of the poor sailor.
The Snug Harbor was the gift of a noble sea captain.
His remains are interred under a splendid marble mon-
ument in front of the house. The monument is sur-
rounded by an iron railing, within which are beautiful
weeping willows, rose bushes and other shrubbery. The
building and every thing within and around it, are as
handsome and convenient as could be desired. This
establishment is expressly for old and disabled seamen,
who have no home or friends to take care of them.
When I saw it I did wish I had a few of some people^ s
hoarded, rusty dollars, to build such an one in our own
State. I do think the generous donor appropriated his
money most admirably. AVe have been enabled to send
some of our poor sailors there.

" What a difference a few years has made in the
speed of traveling. When we went to Sackett's Harbor
in 1816, it took us twenty-four hours to get from Boston
to New Haven. Now we left Boston at seven in the
morning, reached Nl-w Haven at one, P. M., and taking
thence a steamboat to New York, took our tea in the
latter city at seven in the evening. However, it is cer-
tainly not to my taste to travel with lightning speed ;
for I wish to see something of the country as I travel,
and to he whirled past every pleasant or interesting
spot, is very tantalizing.

" In August we took Anna and went ' down East,^

260 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^T.

never having seen that far-famed locality. Wc felt
well paid for our journey ; every thing was most propi-
tious to our enjoyment, and we had a delightful time,
Anna's company and pleasure adding much to our own.
We left home on Monday morning, took seats in the
seven o'clock train of cars at East Boston, and arrived
at Portland at twelve. Mr. Bacon has a married sister
(the wife of a Baptist clergymen) residing at P., and
with them we stayed until Tuesday noon. We then
emharked on a steamer to sail up the Kennebec to

Augusta. Tlie K is a beautiful river, whose banks

are ornamented with fine thrifty villages. On Wednes-
day we rode from Augusta across the country forty
miles to Belfast. This part of our journey was per-,
formed in the good old-fashioned way, by a stage-coach.
We had fine, strong horses, and a good driver ; so away
we went over hill and dale enjoying every object worth
looking at. I saw some most splendid trees ; and was
foolsih enough to v\'ish some v»-ere on the Hospital
grounds at home. If wisliino- would have wafted them
there, I am sure the grounds would have been finely
ornamented ere our return. From Belfast we went by
steamboat in three hours to Bangor, which is a fine city
huilt on two Idlls. Here my husband had a niece resid-
ing, with whom we took tea and passed a very pleasant
evening, after riding around the city and admiring its
beauties. The next morning we started for home, going
down the Penobscot to Portland, which we reached on
Priday evening. Here we tarried with our dear mother
Bacon and children ; and a sweet and quiet Sabbath
prepared us for our ride home in the cars on Monday.
Portland is a lovely city. Its elms vie with those at

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 2G1

'New Haven bolli in numbers and magnitude. We
visited the spot where the remains of the sainted Payson
rest, with feelings of veneration and love. But I must
close, or my descriptions will weary your patience.
Husband joins me in fervent regards to you and yours,
as well as to all our dear friends at the Harbor.
"I am, in the best of bonds,

" Your sister Lydia.''

The next letter is addressed to the same friend more
than a year after the preceding, with congratulations
upon a most interesting occasion — the birth of her first
grandchild. It is dated

''3IarcJi 19th, 1849.
" My very dear sister: — Most sincerely do I rejoice

with you that your dear H has become the joyful

mother of a living child. Dear little Hattie, who
used to run to meet us with open arms, shouting with
eager tones, ' here is Uncle, here is Auntie f what a
lovely childliood was hers. How tenderly was she
reared by her parents, who, receiving her as a lent bless-
ing, brought her up for God, ever holding her at his
divine disposal. Well has he rewarded you for this
full surrender, by sparing her to you so long, and giving
her dear father the privilege of seeing her choose the
Lord for her portion ere he was called away. Verily,
< they that trust in the Lord shall want no good thing.'
And now this dear one has in turn, one committed to
her to be trained ' in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord.' Oh, may she have wisdom and strength given
her to discharge aright her sweet and lioly duties.

262 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

" It gives US great pleasure to hear that her health
and yours is so good. This is a blessing which few
appreciate as they should. My imagination loves to
dwell around your home ; and in thought I see you with
grateful acknowledgment of God's goodness, engaged in
making others happy. How delightful, could I step in
,as in former days, and receive your cordial greeting.
We feel very grateful for your kind invitation to visit
you ; hut fear we shall not he able to accomplish so
desirable an object this season. You must not let any
thing prevent your visiting us, should you come this
way. We are still at the Hospital, and things remain
much as they were when you were here. A new Admin-
istration has taken the reins of government, and it is
expected there will be some changes ; but we do not
anticipate a removal. My husband's health is good and
mine is very tolerable. I am thankful to be enabled to
perform my customary and most interesting duties ; and
grateful, I trust, that my situation enables me to be
useful without much bodily fatigue. I couhl not fill
any sphere of labor which required great physical activ-
ity ; as I am still troubled with that affection of the
heart which forbids all violent exercise. I expect this
disease will end my mortal career sooner or later, and
probably in a sudden manner. My own feelings as well
as ihe repeated instances of the kind which fall under
my own observation, warn me that ' in an hour when I
think not,' the Son of man will come. Dear sister, I
ask your prayers that I may live in constant readiness
for this great event.

" What a momentous age we live in ! What strange
things are taking place in our world ! Kings are flee-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA E. BACON. 2G3

ing from tlicir tliroiics, and tlio Pope losing liis glory
and power. Error is overwliclmed with the rapid marcli
of the Gospel truth ; and all things seem tending
toward the ushering in of that day so long predicted,
when ' all shall know iho Lord.' In every direction we
hear of revivals of relio^ion. After such a lone: declen-
sion it is indeed joyful tidings that the Spirit of the
Lord is visiting not only our highly favored land, but
other countries. Even the Islands of the sea, with their
abundance, are being converted unto God. Our village
is sharing in the rich effusions of the Holy Spirit ; and
many of our youth are earnestly seeking the pearl
of great price. It is so delightful to see tlie young
consecrating the morning of their days to Christ. Our

own A , though naturally amiable and not opposed

to the truth, still remains unmoved and seems to rest
satisfied without a hope in Christ. Though admonished
of her own frailty by the sudden departure in two suc-
cessive years of a beloved brother and sister, she still
defers the great work of preparing to meet her God. I
am distressed on her behalf, and beg you will join your
prayers to mine that she may not put off this great
work till her probation is forever closed. We have a
boy whom the Lord sent us last summer, in whose wel-
fare I am much interested. Last May a man was
brought here severely injured by a fall into tlie ]iold of
a vessel. After lingering awhile in much suffering, he
expired. His son, a boy of fourteen years, had accom-
panied him from Ireland ; and wlien he was brought to
the Hospital, this lad was left at a common sailor's
boarding-house in Boston. Here he staid for some time
until he became anxious at not hearing from his father ;

264 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

and coming to Chelsea to make inquiries, lie found liim
in his coffin ! The poor child was overwhelmed with
grief; and the consciousness of his situation without
mone}^ or friends, or home, made him almost frantic.
Our sjmipathies were strongly moved, and our first
thoughts were to rescue him from his present distress
by sending him hack to his friends in Ireland. But he
gave a sorrowful negative to our proposal, saying that
he had nothing to do there, and that his mother was
too poor to take care of him. * Would he like to be a
sailor ? ' was the next question. ' No, he did not like
the sea, and should rather do any thing else than go
again upon the ocean.' After keeping him a few days
till we could form some little judgment of his capacity
and disposition, husband gave him the offer to stay and
work for him ; asking him ' if he w^ould be a good boy ?'
* Indeed, sir,' said he, ' I would be as good as ever I
could.' Thus far he has redeemed his promise. He
was brought up a decided Catholic ; had partaken the
wafer ; been to mass, and confession strictly, and had
all the superstitions of his sect well rooted in his mind.
But being a shrewd and sensible boy, as soon as the
errors and delusions of his religion were pointed out to
him, he saw and frankly acknowledged them. His in-
quiring mind soon learned to discriminate between
truth and error. The Bible was placed in his hands,
and lie soon read it through, re-perusing many parts of
it, and committing whole chapters to memor}-. The
Assembly's Catechism he has recited to me, and under-
stands it well. The old-fashioned Primer is now in his
hands, with the good sayings and inimitable poetry of
the ' Cradle Hymn,' * John Eogers,' and even ' Youno;

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 265

Timothy.' I have lived my childhood over again in
hearing him repeat these familiar and most excellent
sayings. The Primer lies on the ' what-not/ iyi my best
room, and there it sliall ever have a place. I both love
and venerate it; and take more delight in reading it
now than when I was a child. Besides these books I
gave the boy D'Aubigne's History of the Eeformation.
He read it with the avidity of a man eating his first
meal when starving with hunger. Many other good
books he has also perused, reading much of them aloud
to me, while I sat at my sewing, and frequently stopping
to make his comments or inquiries. He is a very good
reader, and has quite a decent education, having been
three years at the National school. He will be put to
some good trade or business as soon as we can find the
rio;ht thino; for him. Meanwhile he will remain with us,
and we shall do all we can for him temporally and spir-
itually. Ho attends church with us, and also the
Sabbath school, of which he is very fond. He treasures
up the preaching in his memory and can repeat most of
it when he comes home. We hope that he is now seek-
ing his soul's salvation. He appears like a sincere and
earnest inquirer. The visit from our former beloved

pastor, Mr. B , was delightful to us. To hear his

voice once more in prayer and in pleasant converse, and
to have the privilege of receiving him as our guest, was
a treat indeed.

'* Husband unites with me in love to yourself, to Har-
riet and her husband, not forgetting the welcome little
stranger. Da, my dear sister, write often, and greatly
oblige your most affectionate,

" L. B. Bacon."
23

266 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

The writer well remembers the affecting case of the
Irish Orphan, described in the foregoing letter. It was
a beautiful afternoon in the month of June when Mrs.
Bacon's niece, with one or two young companions, made
me a visit ; bringing with them a parcel of cotton upon
which they most industriously commenced operations.
They were sewing for the desolate and destitute orphan ;
and with hearts glowing with compassion and tender-
ness, related to me his sorrowful story. The poor lad
was soon comfortably clothed ; and cheered by tbe kind-
ness and generosity with which he was treated, soon
became contented and happy. I often saw him at the
Louse of my friend, who, much delighted with the
attainments and rapid improvement of her protege,
occasionally invited me to test his knowledge in gram-
mar and arithmetic, or to hear his reading which was
quite correct and intelligent.

^' During the winter, his kind protectors sent him to
the public school, where his progress in learning, under

the tuition of Mr. H , the accomplished teacher of

the ' Boys' Grammar School,' was rapid and praisewor-
thy. The pious zeal of Mrs. Bacon was not, however,
rewarded by the lad's conversion, although he became a
decided Protestant. He maintained a reo;ular and affec-
tionate correspondence with his mother, sending her (as
soon as he could command any wages) as much of his
earnings as he could spare. She, of course, bitterly
deplored his renunciation of Popery, and strove with all
a mother's energy and a papist's zeal, to win him back
to the faith of his fathers. But her efforts were fruit-
less. Her boy had reached a country where the people
dare to think for themselves; and the full blaze of gospel

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 267

light had forever chased away the darkness of ' the Man
of Sin.'

" I will only say further respecting this lad (now
grown to manliood) that after staying with his friends
as long as was thought best, he was helped to a situation
as a mechanic, in which he still lives and labors.
Should this account meet his eye, may the memory of
Mrs. B's kindness and Christian love, melt his heart."

To Mrs. T .

" Szptember 3c?, 1849.

•'* My dear sister : — I think it high time that we
should recognize each other's existence at least by ex-
changing a few lines. I do not know but I sliall forget
how to use my pen, for I Iiave not written a letter this
summer. I said summer, but ah ! the summer has fled
never to return, and many with it have gone to the land
of silence. Death is doing his strange work here at a
fearful rate. I do not mean in the Hospital, for although
we have had more patients this season than ever before,
and now number one hundred and thirty, we have had
but four deaths in the last two months. No cases of
cholera have occurred here as yet, but we cannot tell
how soon it may come. The patients are packed too
close ; the upper hall is full of beds, and the wards have
double the number that is common.

" AVe have been thinking of a visit to Sandwich, but
at present we shall not be able to come ; it is about as
much as we can do to find beds and bedding. I have
not been away to pass a day the wliole summer. I have
double care and anxiety because Mrs. , [one of her

268 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

most efficient assistants,] is gone. I hope she may
return hy-and-bye. She has left the situation which she
took in Boston ; the confinement and bad air injured
her health. She has now gone into the country for a
few weeks, and I think if she gets better she may
return here. She is an excellent woman, and is very
much missed in the Hospital.

*' I spoke of the sickness in town ; the dysentery is
the prevailing disease, and is unusually fatal here this
season. You remember the two dear children of our
pastor. I am sure you will be shocked when I tell you
that their sweet little Nettie is dead, and Cyrus is not
expected to live. The day previous to the commence-
ment of their sickness, Josiah and myself with some

others took tea at Mr. L 's. As I entered the yard

they both bounded to meet me, apparently in perfect
health, blithe and happy as two little fawns. Their
gayety struck me forcibly, recalling the days of happy
childhood. Each of them gave me a kiss and a hand,
and leading me to the house, waited upon me up stairs
to lay aside my bonnet and shawl, and then accompanied
me to the parlor. During the afternoon they seemed
perfectly happy, and the propriety and sweetness of
their behavior left an impression on our minds never to
be erased. Before the next morning they were both
taken sick with the dysentery, and the little girl lived
but one week. Her dear parents felt the blow most
deeply, but have set their people an example of Christ-
ian resignation. Mr. L said ' the day little Nettie

was buried was one of the happiest of his life, on
account of the felt presence of his Saviour.' ' It
seemed,' he said, ' as if while my heavenly Father with

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 2G0

one luiiid was crushing me to tlie earth, witli the otlier
he sustained my fainting spirit, bound up my bruised
and bleeding heart, and poured in the sweetest and
most bk'ssed consolations.' The dear child was buried
upon tlie Sabbath. The coffin was borne from the house
to the cliurch by some young lads on Sabbath afternoon.
The seivices were conducted by Dr. Edward Beecher
and Mr. Kirk, and were most appropriate and affecting.
The little boy was not expected to live through the day,
and it was a solemn funer.l to us all. I tliink I never
passed such a Sabbath. My feelings were different from
any tiling whith 1 hr.d ever expeiienced before ; I can-
not describe them. Eternity seemed very near, and
the vail which hides it from our sioht seemed very thin.

'&'

" S'pt 4:th. Little Cyrus is still living, although a
great si.fferer. But it is thought he cannot continue
many hours. Many other families are suffering with
the same disease ; some are already bereft. Thus the
tenderest ties are being broken, and the mourners go
about the streets.

" Sept. 'oth. Dear little C. has gone ; his happy
spirit, released from the sick and suffering tenement,
has fled to the arms of his Saviour, who said, ' Suffer
little thildren to come unto me.' If the best of atten-
tion and skill couhl have saved his life he would not
have died. But God saw what was best for him, and
for his afflicted parents, who are now childless. And
though they know not now the reasons for this double
stroke, the time will come when all these mysteries
shall be explained. These children were lovely in life,
23*

270 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON".

and in death scarcely divided. Cjrus knew not that
his sister had gone before him ; -what will be his sur-
prise to meet her in glory ! But I must close, with a
kind remembrance to all.

*' Yours ever,

" L. B. Bacon."

To Mrs. E. C. B.

" April 20tJi, ] 850.

" My very dear E.: — Most thankfully do I acknowledge
the re eipt of your long expected letter. I lejoice
again to recognize your own dear handwriting, and to
be assured of your welfare. Olten do we tliink and
speak of your sAveet though short visit to us. Shall we
not praise God that in his kind providence he permitted
us to meet under such pleasant circumstances. Can we
not say emphatically that all our heavenly Father's
dealings with us have bi'cn replete with mercies. And
although we have both been afflicted, yet were not even
these blessings in disguise? Even the intirmities of
our poor frail bodies are sent in kindness to admonish
us of our approaching dissolution, and warn us to be
ready for our summons when it shall come. Oh, let us
love to anticipate the hour when our trials, doubts and
fears will all be over, and in the presence of our Saviour
we shall worship the triune God without sin, hateful,
dreadful sin! Remember your unwcrthy friend, dear
E , at a throne of grace, and pray that I may at the
last be found on the rioht hand of the Judo-e.

" Thank you, dearest, for particulars respecting your
beloved family at Sackett's. How delightfid it would
be to meet them all once more under that hospitable

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 271

roof. Do remember us with great aflection to them

all, not forgetting cousin G 's family, for whom we

shall ever retain the warmest friendship. We had a

little visit from Dr. H last winter, and were very

much pleased with him. We only regretted that we
could not have seen him more. Our good Mrs,

McL has been called again to mourn: her son

James having deceased at California. He had obtained
a good situation there with very fair prospects. His
brother, the doctor, with whom the climate did not
agree, had concluded to return home; but just on the
eve of departure he was called to the sick and dying
bed of Ins brother. He attended him faithfully, but
his disease was very violent, and he had to bury him in
that land of strangers.

'' We have been called to part with another of our

dear nephews. G , the second son of my sister

J , died of consumption in March. He was a young

man of iwin'y-five, of superior abilities, and with much
to live for ; of course death was to him unexpected and
undesirable. But ere it came, he sought, and, (we
trust,) found the Saviour. His end was peace, calmly
and without a struggle falling asleep in Jesus.

" The husband of our L., (Dr. Judd,) has been in
Boston on his way to England, whither he goes on
business f ;r King Kamehameha, I believe to negotiate
a treaty with Great Britain. He stopped but a short
timi", l)Ut on his return he will pass some time in the
United States, and I presume will visit your part of the
country. He has two of the native princes with him.

*' 1 am very sorry to hear that brother Gallagher's

272 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

health is so poor. When lie was here and told me of
his labors I thought he would not be able to endure
them long. We were anxious to hear whether your

dear S is at Mount Holyoke school, but could learn

nothing about her from the young lady who goes from
Chelsea. I shall be as well satisfied if she remains at
home — ' sweet home/ — with parents so well qualified to
teach her. I hope and trust your dear children will
repay you for all your anxiety and care. IMay they
each be living members of the household of faiih.

" Husband joins me in most affectionate remembrances
to you and yours, and hopes that we shall soon have the
pleasure of seeing you, Providence permitting. Mr.
Langwortliy desires his affectionate regards to yourself
and husband. His health is not good, although he
labors as abundantly as ever. I am most sincerely,

'* Yours,

" L. B. Bacon.''

A word in reference to the royal family of the
Sandwich Islands, spoken of in the preceding letter.
The king referred to, on whose bidialf T)i\ J add was
then journeying to England, was Kamchameba Tiiird,
who deceased a few months since. At the present date,
(Feb. IGth, 1855,) the latest intelligence is as fallows:
"The first appearance in public of his present Majesty
King Kamehameha 4th was on Sunday, the 21st of Dec,
in the house of God. He led his sister, her royal Highness
Princess Victoria, and was followed by the ministers of
the late King. The latter had offered iheir resignations
to his present Majesty, but had been requested to retain
office for the present at least." The new king is one of

BIOGRAPHY OP MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 273

the royal princes spoken of in Mrs. Bacon's letters as
traveling in this country and England with Dr. Judd, in
I80O.

To Mrs. E. C. B.

''August Sill, 1850.

*' I did not intend, my dear E., that your letter
should have remained so lono; unanswered. I am
always glad to hear from you, and your last letter was
douLly welcome. I hope ere this your dear Sophia and
her father have regained their health, and that you are
all in circumstances of mercy and comfort. Perhaps
this may find you at the loved homestead at the Harbor ;
long may you be favored with such a retreat. I did
hope we might be able to compass a visit to you this
season. But it will not be expedient to leave our post
at present long enough to perform such a journey with
comfort. I cannot with impunity bear the fatigue of
rapid traveling, as I could have done twenty years ago.

*' Mr. Bacon has been quite unwell since June, and
though now better has still to be careful. He went to
Washington on business for the Hospital, and the heat
which was so excessive overcame him much. This,
together witli the quantities of iced water which he from
necessity drank, made him for a time very sick. Then
he had been denied his usual sleep in consequence of op-
pressive air in small confined lotlging rooms, whicli con-
trasted so miserably with his large airy cli amber at
home. He would not have gone had he dreamed of
suffering so much from the heat. But he had long
wished to visit the seat of government, and as he had

274 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

business which rendered it desirable for him to go, and
be could do it without expense to himself, it seemed too
good an opportunity to be misimproved. But how little
do w^e know what is best. Though he succeeded in his
business, his life w^as w^ell nigh sacrificed ; never befure
have I seen him so prostrated. Thanks to a kind
Providence he now seems to be gaining.

" Oar dear pastor's health w^as poor through the
winter, and in the spring he had a most generous offer
of a free voyage to Europe, which it was thought best
he should accept. He w^ent in great haste, having only
one week to think of and prepare for his journey. =■•' '■-
o o o y(e hope he will be home in October. He writes
most interesting communications from the different places
which ho visits. In London he passed some hours with
my husband's brother, who has resided there for many
years. He has reared a lovely family in that great
metropolis, all of w^hom, Mr. L. writes, are worthy
descendants of the New England stock. We do want
to see our dear pastor very much. The Lord spare him
and return him to us in due time. His wife and family
are well. The little son born last O^^tober is a very
sweet child, and helps to beguile his mother's lonely
hours during his father's absence.

" And now, my dear E., I would ask, did you see Dr.
Judd ? I hope you did, as I know the pleasure it would
give you. We had a delightful call from him with the
princes. A longer time could not be devoted to us, as
their time was so closely occupied during their stay
in the city, which was necessarily short. The princes
were tired with beino; ' lions/ and sio-hed for their own
dear iJaud home. They were truly elegant young

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 275

men, dignified yet social, and hope to Le able to do
mucli for their race when tliey return. The young heir
to the crown I tliought very manly, and think lie will
make a noble and elegant Christian monarch if he lives
to succeed to his father's throne. May God spare his
life and that of his brother, and make them instruments
of good to their country and to His cause.

"Dr. Judd I think an interesting man. It was very

gratifying to me to see L 's husband. He spoke in

the highest terms of his wife, saying that she had been
every thing to him, not only relieving him from
domestic cares, but accomplishing much beside by her
example and influence.

" I am grieved to hear that the health of your dear
Sophia is so imperfect, and hope she may gain relief
from her journey. Yet I must be permitted to say that
although such changes are sometimes doubtless beneficial
to the health, yet in my opinion rest, entire rest from all
care and excitement is letter. For there are no comforts
like home comforts ; and the excitement generally
attendant upon traveling, especially at the present day,
often counteracts all the benefit hoped for from a change
of air and scene. Thus I fear that our dear pastor will
not derive the good which he desires and expects from
his foreign tour. With his active temperament and
ardent susceptibilities I am afraid he will not keep still
long enough to know what rest is, and thus will defeat
the principal end proposed and wished for by us all. But
why do I speak of rest here ? There is not much for
any one: this world and its inhabitants are made for
action. Bat there is a rest which remaineth for the
people of God. Let us look forward, dear E., to that

276 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

rest, preparing ourselves for it by tlie cultivation of a
meek and quiet spirit, and perfect resignation to our
heavenly Father's Avill. May we have grace to fill our
allotted sphere on earth, and at last to meet our Saviour
and Judge with joy unspeakable. Meanwhile I remain
now and ever,

" Your most sincerely attached,

'' Lydia B. Bacon."

To Mrs. C.

^'January 14, 1851.

'' My dear sister and friend : — By a paper from your
son Walter, and subsequently a letter from sister H. B.,
we were informed of the death of our dear brother in
Christ, yonr beloved husband. This was sad tidings
indeed to ns who so well knew his excellences and
virtues. We hasten to tender you our warmest sympa-
thies in this your great bereavement. How our hearts
swell vrith emotion as we call to mind his kindness to
us as individuals, as neighbors, and as friends in the
bonds of Christian love. The church too is left to mourn
one who could ill be spared. All his consistent conduct
as a follower of Christ, his indefatigable zeal and per-
severance in his Master's cause, are among the sweet
recollections of the past, ' links in memory's chain '
never to be broken. May his mantle fall on one who in
all things will adorn as he did the doctrines he professed.

" My dear sister, I know that in your present grief
vain is human help and sympathy. It is only firm faith
in your heavenly Father that can at all assuage such
sorrow. The confidence that He doeth all thin^^s well •
the assurance that your dear husband, the companion of

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 277

your youtli, has gone Avliere pain and sin can no more
disturb him or mar liis perfect blessedness — these are
the most timely solace in an hour like this. Think of
him, then, as now enjoying the immediate presence of
that Saviour whom not having seen he loved ; and as
rejoicing in all the ways and in all the means v/hich God
employed to bring him to that blessed^abode. This will
calm your grief and make it settle into that quiet, holy
resignation wliich says, ' Thy will, oh God, be done.'
Thus will you be enabled still to perform your accus-
tomed duties, both temporal and spiritual, as well as the
new responsibilities which will novv' devolve upon you. It
will not be long before you and I shall be called to pass
over Jordan, and tread its cold waves after those who
have gone before us. I have reason to think that time
may be very near with me. Oh, may I be prepared for
tlie solemn exchange of v\'orlds.

" We often think and speak of you, dear friend, and
your repeated kindnesses, (especially when we were
neighbors in Ambrose street,) are among the most
pleasant recollections of the past. As I recall those
scenes when Mr. B. boarded with you : the meetings, the
Sabbath school, the pleasant social intercourse in which
your husband's image and your own are ever blended,
my heart throbs, my eyes overflow with tender memories.
Oh, Sackett, ' with all thy faults, I love thee still.' A
few^ of those first friends there are yet in being, some
are gone home and others are widely scattered. Some

of the latter we occasionally meet. Mr. G has

been to see us, Mr. B , with his wife and daughter,

and some others.

"We enjoy tolerable health. Husband's is much
24

278 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

better than mine; but bis is not that perfect bealtb
wbieb was bis treasure for so many years. Yet we are
tbankful tbat it is as well witb us as it is, for we bave
great mercies. One of tbe greatest is tbat we are in a
situation wbere we can be bigbly useful. We bave tbe
best of opportunities under tbe roof wbere we dwell, of
being useful botb to tbe souls and bodies of our fellow-
men. Husband and myself find enougb to do for tbe
poor neglected sailor, and do not attempt to labor in tbe
Sabbatb scbool as at Sackett's. In ours we are nob
needed, tbere being teacbers enougb witbout us, and our
duty is plain. At tbe bour for Sabbatb scbool on Sab-
batb I go into tbe ward wbere tbe colored sailors are,
and bold a Bible class witb tbem, spending an bour in
conversation, reading and instruction, as I am able.
Tbey all seem very mucb interested in tbe exercise.
Sometimes I find a pious soul among tbem, and some-
times a very intelligent one. We bave now over one
bundred sick ones in tbe bouse ; one is dying, baving, as
we trust, experienced religion upon bis sick-bed.
Anotber, one of my Sabbatb pupils, is inquiring ' wbat
be must do to be saved?' Oh, the responsibility of
such a trust ! May tbe blood of souls never be found
in our skirts ! Husband joins me in sympathy and best
wishes. May this great loss be sanctified to you and
your dear children. Let us bear from you when you
feel able to write. I must close, for writing hurts my
side badly.

" Yours in love and tender sympathy,

" L. B. Bacon.''

BIOGRArHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 279

To Mrs. E. C. B.

'' Fehruary M, 1851.

" When I received my clear Elizubetli's letter I fully
intended to answer it immediately ; but upon turning
to it for a second perusal, I find it is four weeks already
since its reception. You know well enough, dear E., how
we are situated, and can easily imagine that a month
may pass away almost unnoticed. Your letter brought
us tidings of sad changes among your dear relatives :

the death of your grandmother and cousin G . Of

the latter I had been previously informed. Truly we
can say, ' a good man has fallen in Israel.' I know of
no man for whom we had a higher respect and Christian
love than for him. His great and uniform kindness to
us will ever be engraven on our hearts. Your dear
grandmother too ; every thing that ' is lovely and of
good report ' is associated with her image. She was
always ready to engage in every good word and work.
How powerfully did her example stimulate me to action ;
for with such a prompter and aid who could help going
forward in the path of duty. And then how undeviating
was her interest in our welfare: the same alike in our
adversity as prosperity. I did hope I should be permit-
ted to see her once more in this world ; but it may
not be. Well, the time is coming, I trust, when we
shall again join in the praises of redeeming love, even
around our Father's throne.

" You give a delightful account of your own house
and garden. I congratulate you on the possession of
such a charming retreat. I sincerely hope that you
may long enjoy it, and that persevering in rest and quiet
your beloved husband may enjoy conifoi'table health.

280 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^.

We well remember tlio beautiful lake upon which you
are situated. We crossed it on our return from Detroit,
prisoners of war, in 1812. The banks were then being
beautified with country seats and cultivated farms. I
assure you the distance will not deter us from visiting
you, should we be able to leave. Would it not be a de-
lightful excursion hence to New York, then up the
North Eiver, and so on to you ? The thought of it even
is too good for such an unworthy worm as I.

" We were glad to learn that you had so favorable an
opportunity of seeing Dr. Judd and the princes. It

was a great treat to us who knew dear L so well.

By the papers we see that they have safely arrived at
the Islands, and were received with demonstrations of
joy and respect.

" Our beloved pastor has returned from Europe with
improved health, and a heart overflowing with love to
God and man. He is longing, praying and laboring to
see the Lord's work revived in this place. Our house of
worship has become so full since his return that several
families desiring to worship with us have been unable to
obtain seats ; and the result is that we feel obliged to

colonize. So with Mr. L and twenty families, as a

nucleus for a new church and society, v^e commenced
last Sabbath to worship in a Hall. The room is very
pleasant, but the tvv'o flights of stairs which we must
ascend are rather trying to persons whoso breath is short
as mine. The remainder of the churcli remain in the
neat and commodious edifice which you worshiped in
when here. The attempt to build another churcli seems
formidable, but in the strength of the Lord we will go
forward. He has answered prayer by filling our house,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA 13. BACON. 281

and til lis has made it necessary to form aiiotliT cliuivli
and build again, and will not lie cjntiiuie to ble.ss? It
is a o-reat thing at our time of life to go over the same
ground again : but we left it entirely with Providence
to dispose* of us as he pleased. We would not decide
for ourselves, but left it to the church to say whether
we should go or stay. It is just as we would have had
it, although we have not said so until it was decided.
You may ask, why does the pastor go? It is something
new, I know, to take the pastor, but we think he is a
more suitable person for the enterprise than any one
whom we could get. And besides, unless he would leave
no on.i else ivould, or at least not a sufficient number to
accomplish any thing. But we would not trust in man.
The work is God's ; he alone can prosper any under-
takino', and 'in his streno-th we will arise and build.'
So while we have to rear a new edihce, our brethren
who remain will have io find them a new minister.
May God prosper Qnch branch in their arduous work.

" AVe still continue to have large numbers of sick
seamen : chore are now over one hundred. Some are
very interesting cases. One has lately deceased, giving
evidence of a happy exchange ; he was born in
H.irtford, Conn. After traveling the mighty deep for
some years, he was sent here to die of consumption.
He has no mother or relative to mourn over his early
exit, or soothe his dying bed, his family having all gone
before him, although he was only twenty-six. I I'elt it
a pi-ivilege to minister to his comfort both of soul and
boJy. lie was patient, resigned, and grateful to 1 is
heavenly Father and to th.se around him. He was
here for several months. The Sabbath on which ha
24*

282 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

died I went into his room to read the Bible and converse
with him. Death was making rapid strides, his throat
filling so that he could not take any food. But when I
left him he hade me good-night most pleasantly, and
soon after his spirit took its flight to that home which
he had contemplated so often with peace and joy.

" We have a colored sailor here, — a real African, —
who has lost all his toes, and will he crippled for life.
When he first came here, eight months ago, his feet
were so had I could not go into his room ; hut I used to
stand at the door and say a few words to comfort him,
and as soon as his condition would allow me to sit
heside him I did so. I found him very ignorant, know-
ing only his letters. Feeling that he would have many
weary hours ere his recovery I resolved to teach him to
read. He can now read in easy lessons, and is very
grateful to his instructor. I did not pursue the same
course in teaching him that I would witli a child, hut
gave him lessons in which he would get ideas as well as
words, and this increased his interest. T want that he
should he able before he leaves to read the Scriptures,
that he may become v/ise unto salvation. He wishes to
return to Africa, and will be sent by the Colonization
Society next spring. Once more, dear E., adieu.

"L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. E. C. B.

''May 17th, 1851.

" Ever dear E.: — Your esteemed favor, post-marked
14th inst., is just received, and I thank you for this
fresh proof of your affectionate remembrance. The
kind feelings therein expressed I receive as the offering

BIOGRAPHY OF jMRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 283

of tlic generous heart that dictated them, though far
beyond the deserts of the friend whom you address. It
is true that many of my poor attempts to perform my
duty have been crowned with success. But it is all of
God, whose loving kindness has strewn my path with
flowers. Although my life has been like that of others,
a varied scene of sorrow and joy, yet wdien I review it,
the latter seems so to predominate as to obliterate all
traces of the former. Only mercy seems written on
every page of my long life, and I have so many good
things here as to make me sometimes afraid that I am
having them all in this world. Oh, may I have that
faith wdiich is the gift of God, and without wdiich it is
impossible to please him. Thus only shall I be enabled
to fill the sphere which he has allotted me, and having
the presence of my Saviour, go on my w\ay rejoicing.
Oh, the forbearance of God tow^ards a guilty world !
and especially toward those who bear his name, with
some of whom their profession is the only token of their
discipleship.

" AVe saw our dear pastor last evening, and gave him
your message. He received it with much pleasure, and
returns you many thanks. The site for our new church
is chosen, and the building will soon be commenced.
Our village is thriving in temporals exceedingly, and
there cannot fail of being a large population. The
next time you visit us I hope you will have time to ride
about and see it more than you were able to do in your
last brief visit. You ask us many questions respecting
our former life which we w^ould readily answer by letter,
only that w^e have concluded — what do you think? —
that ive will come and ansiver them in person. Yes, dear,

284: BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

we liavo resolved, Providence permitting, to visit you for
a i'ew days daring the first or second u-eek in June.
We propose to come by the way of New York and.
Albany, as Anna will be with us, and she has never seen
those cities. And bjsidcs, should we come by the way
of the North River, we could pass a day with your dear
Sophia at Catskill, if her health will admit of her
seeing us. Now write us if you will be at home at the
time proposed, and free IVom any engagements which
would i-ender our visit inexpedient. Tell us frankly

also what you think of our calling upon S . Do

not encourage us to do so, unless you are sure it will be
perfectly proper and agre/able.

" We have heard nodiinii- frjm Mrs. Judd since the
doctor's return, but presume you will hear so )n. Were
you a-'quainted wiih him before he married, our friend ?
I had never seen him before, but was very favorably
impressed by our short interview. His manners are
A'ery courteous and gentlemanly, and 1 should consider
him a man of marked abilii}'.

" 1 SfJi. Dear E., husband r.-ad my letter last even'ug^
and thinks 1 liave b.'en too posit ive in my calculations of
visiting you this summer. 1 am therefoie obliged to
qualify my promise by saying that if we can do so con-
si:.->tently with other engagements we will. But if you
have any ])hins i'or that m n'h, do n^it let us interfere
witli them. Wiite jast how it is. 1 will only say that
I do not give up the delightful hojje of sometime
seeing you in year own dear home, which you d. scrihe
so sweetly. 11, sband joins with Anna and s. If in much
love to you all ; and as we may possibly see you ^oon,

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 285

and ifc liurts mo to write mucli, I will close now with
the promise of a longer letter next time. Adieu, my
beloved. " Your affectionate,

" L. B. Bacon.''

The journey which Mrs. Bacon was so desirous of
taking to visit her friends in the State of New York,
(both at Geneva and Sackett's Harbor,) she did accom-
plish as proposed, and enjoyed it in the highest degree.
"Never," said she to her friends upon her return,
*' never was there a June so beautiful before. It really
seemed as if the heavens and the earth conspired
to heighten our enjoyment." The following was written
immediately after her arrival home, describing the
homeward route.

To i\rrs. B — — d, of Geneva.

'^June BOth, 1851.

" My very dear Elizabeth : — I write to assure you of
our safe return home. Our visit was so sweet and
pleasant that, now it is over, I can find no words to
describe it. It does rejoice my heart to have seen you
so comfortably, so delightfully situated. Oh, may your
life and health, and that of your dear family be spared
to get good and do good. And may your love and
gratitude to the iVuthor of all these blessings be com-
mensurate with the benefits bestowed. How often since
my return have I thought of the charming retreat at
the bottom of your garden, where I spent such a pleasant
morning vrith those dear little girls. It was enough to
make any one happy to witness their enjoyment. As I
listened to their exclamation of delight over their new-

286 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

found treasures, a pebble, a leaf, or a sbell, and heard
them ask, 'Isn't this beautiful,' or 'sweet,' or 'charm-
ing,' 1 answered, ' Yes.' But m}- thought was, ' not half
so charming, sweet, or lovely as yourselves.' When I
saw them playing with their pet lamb, I breathed
a silent prayer that th.^ir hearts might be led to * the
Lamb of God wliich taketh away the sin of the world.'
Our ride to Syracuse on our return was very pleasant.
After tea, learning that Mrs. Heron was in the house
where we stopped, we soon found our way to her room,
and were received with much cordiality by herself and
husband. Mi's. S. was also residing there with her
daughter. I was very glad to see her, as she was a
great favorite of mine in her youth, on account of her
correct department. She looks so young still that I
could scarcely bLdieve it when she told me she was a
grandmother. An hour of svv-eet converse flew swiftly
by, and we reluctantly parted to get our necessary rest,
that we might rise early and take the cars for Oowego.
We thouglit the ride to 0. very fine, though it was
through a rr.de part of the country. The sail from thence
to Sackett's was most delightful. Tlie air was cool and
bracing, and we had sm otli water all the way. I need
not, and I could not tell you my feelings on bjhohling
that place endeared to me by a thousand tender reculLc-
tions. It was there I joined th ■ people of God, and there
His Spirit taught me in various ways that I, even /, had
one talent to improve for him. Till then, I had lived
without any realizing sen^e of my obligations. Oh, how
long-suffeiing and patient is J. liovah with his rebellious
and ungrateful creatures. ^My husband filt ratlier re-
luctant to go to Sackett's, fearing that his feelings

BIOr.RAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 287

would be more pained than pleased, as tliere had been
so many removals by deatli of those wlioni lie loved.
But he is now glad he went, and thankfcd to those d<'ar
friends who after the lapse of so many years greeted us
■with sueh affectionate kindness. It was good to be in
tlioir midst once more and join with them in prayer and
praise. Good to see those men who commenced their
Christian career in the Sabbath school now eWers in that
church which first received their covenant obligation to

be the Lord's. We dined with cousin J 's widow,

and took tea with your dear father's family. Amid all
the changes, it w^as pleasant to be in that same parlor
once moi-e. How natural every thing looked, and your
beautiful mother hardly altered at all. I saw thiee of

your brothers ; E came from Oswego with us.

Mrs. D is much the same, and her two daughters

whom I saw are very pretty. One of them is very
much like what her mother was at sixteen. On Satur-
day afternoon we went to Watertown to see T. C's
family. "We had a charming ride over the plank road,
and Seward's Islaud we thought delightful. Widow C,
though a sincere mourner for her husband, seems very
happy in her children. Her sons are certainly very fine
young men, and must be a great comfort to her.
Parents cannot be too thankful when their sons as well

as daughters are pious. I saw your brother G 's

wafe and two of his children ; they were both beautiful
How strano-e it seemed to see so mauy whom we left
children now^ fathers and mothers themselves. Then I
realized my own age more than ever before. I waa

pleased with your sister H ; her frankness waa

most amiable. We had quite a time over the flowers in

288 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

the garden, and slie gave me some roots to take liome,
besides promising me that if she comes to Boston she will

certainly visit us. Mrs. B seems very happy in her

dear children, and they are certainly precious ones. I

admire Dr. H and do hope that he may be restored

to health, although my fears are stronger than my hopes.
" Wo left dear Sackett's on Monday noon, and after
a most charming sail among the Thousand Islands,
arrived at Ogdensburg at nine P. M. At ten the next
morning we left 0., but being detained, did not reach
Montreal until nine in the evening. The sail from
Ogdensburg to Montreal vras truly magnificent. But
too much of the awful mingles with the suUime in
coming through those rapids for me ever to risk a second
trip merely for j)leasure. It is exciting in the extreme.
But the Almighty was our keeper. This is truly a
wonderful river, and taking it as a vrhole, perhaps the
most so in the world. And such a constant variety :
from river to lake, then through the rapids, then amid
boiling places like Hurlgate, only more terrible. During
your passage through the rapids you would think there
was a strong gale of wind, v»-hile at the same time
on shore not a leaf could be seen moving. In passing
the longest rapid I saw upon my right a steamer, which
appeared as if poised in the air. It vras passing up the
canal, and vras in a lock. We must have made a strange
appearance to them. I thought of the observation of
your dear children respecting the scenery at your lake,
* that we were a picture to each other.' We became ac-
quainted with a very pleasant lady and gentleman on
the boat, who stopped with us at the same hotel in
Montreal, and we rode around the mountain- together.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 281)

This is a cliarming ride, commanding a view of a liiglily
cultivated country. Indeed it looked like a beautiful
garden spread out before us ; the distance round tlic
mountain was about six miles, and the roads, (ascending
and descending gradually,) were so fine that I think I
never took a more pleasant drive. On the top of the
mountain stands a noble building, the former residence
of the Canadian Governor's. But since Lord Elgin's
departure it has been converted into a public house-
Its salubrious air, fine prospect and ample accommoda-
tions allure many to this charming retreat. ^ '■^ '•'=

" We made an acquaintance on the river with a Mr.

C , a resident at Montreal, and found him a very

intelligent gentleman who knew the whole route. He
was like a guide book to us, giving us all needful infor-
mation respecting different locations on the way. The
Lachine Eapids we did not pass through. These are
the last, and are very near to Montreal. Only the mail
boat descends there. I was thankful that we were not
obliged to, as they are the most terrific of all, being in
one place quite perpendicular. The boat dashed in and
under them like a duck, and I am told that some ladies
like to go through them. Mr. C. told me that he had
descended them in an open Canadian boat with women
and children. This reminded me of the old boat song,
* Eow, brothers, row.'

*' We left Montreal on Thursday morning, going by
boat nine miles, and then by the cars seventeen miles to
St. John's. There we took a beautiful steamer up the
Lake Champlain to Burlington. Our passage was most
delightful, the eye being gratified all the way with
interesting and pleasant sights, and the time beguiled
25

290 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

with intelligent company. At Burlington we were
made very comfortable. Good fare, and a comfortable
bed in a large, airy room, refreshed and prepared ns for
the hardest day's work of traveling which we had yet
endured. This was a jaunt of two hundred and thirty-
three miles in the cars, from Burlington to Boston. We
left the former place at eight in the morning, and
reached the latter at seven in the evening ! Having
sent a notice of our return by the wires in the morning,

our faithful S was in waiting with the carryall, and

we soon arrived at our pleasant home. Here we found
all things right, and were overwbelmed with the good-
ness of our heavenly Father, who had guided and
guarded us in our long and somewhat perilous journey.
Never had we taken so long a one before except from
imperative necessity, in the way of business. But this
was solely for pleasure and mental profit, and I think
few could say that they had traveled thirteen hundred
miles with more ease and delight.

" Our dear pastor is to leave next Monday with his
wife and child on a visit to his father in Central New
York. He has recently lost his mother, a dear and
most excellent woman.

** Husband and Anna join me in the strongest
expressions of love to you all. Accept many thanks
for your kindness and attentions during our sojourn
with you. The savor of that visit will long continue,
and the beautiful places to which husband gave a name
will not soon be forgotten. Write soon, my dear E. ;
every thing that interests you will find a quick response
in our hearts.

" I am, as ever, your affectionate,

" Lydia B. Bacon."

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 291

To Mrs. H. B.

''Juhj lOth, 1851.

" My very dear sister : — "We are exceedingly anxious
to hear from you again, as the doctor was so unwell at
the time we left you. We regretted very much not to
see your good minister and his wife, and also Mrs.

B . We understood the latter was to call upon us

on Monday or we should have gone to see them. The
time was so short that I could not do all I wished. Mr.
Bacon being out so much had a much better opportunity
than I of seeing the people. Now that my visit is over,
it seems more like a pleasant dream than a waking
reality. I ask myself, is it possible that I have been
ao-ain at Sackett's ? that I have there met once more
the dear friends with whom I used to take ' sweet
counsel and go to the house of God in company ' ? Our
journey was delightful from beginning to end ; not an
unpleasant circumstance occurred to mar our enjoyment.
Tell dear Harriet that we experienced no discomfort
from the roughness of the passage to Kingston. We
met some delightful company on board the boat, who
were our fellow-passengers to Montreal, and stopped
when there at the same public house. It was a new
hotel near the Cathedral, quite in the centre of the city,
called the St. Lawrence Hall.

" I wish you had been with us to enjoy the trip down
the St. Lawrence Eiver ; it must be seen to be under-
stood ; words cannot describe its beauties. I never met
with any thing before which more exalted my ideas of
Almighty power and skill, than those rapids and the
scenery which surrounds them. And that God should
give to the human mind skill to navigate them and to

292 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

go by steam where formerly nothing hut the light
bateau of the Canadian dared to venture, is wonderful.
I think Canada must be a fine country, though I should
not wish to live there. I never was so sensible of the
comparative j^'^omess of the soil in Massachusetts as in
returning to the State after journeying through Yermont
and New Hampshire. There may be, it is true, more
skill and intelligence in our agriculture ; indeed there
must be if we would wring from nature any thing like
a fair return for our toil. Never would our State have
been settled had it not been done before other and more
fertile portions of the country were seen. But I presume
the exertion necessary to bring the land into proper
tillage, (especially in an age when the appliances to
agriculture were fewer and ruder than at present,) was
one means of producing such a hardy race of men as our
ancestors were.

" Now, my dear sister, will you not write soon, and
tell us about the doctor's health. We want also to hear
of the little darling, and her mother and grandmother.

" You, my dear sister H , are very pleasantly

situated, having what Thomson in his Seasons calls ' an
elegant sufiiciency.' May you all live to enjoy many
years, blessing and being blessed. Eeceive our heart-
felt thanks for all your kindness to us when with you,
and do not fail to give us an opportunity to return it
ere long. Husband and Anna respond to all tiie kind
feeling in this letter for you and yours.

" Kiss little blue-eyed Hattie for me ; her sunny face
is continually before me. Adieu. The Lord bless and
keep you all, is the prayer of

" Your unworthy friend,

'' L. B. Bacon.'^

BIOGrxAPnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 293

Soon after Mrs. Bacon's return from this long desired
and much prized visit, her affectionate heart was
wounded and her sympathies called fortli by the sudden
and unexpected death of another nephew, tlic third
child of the sister already twice so recently bereaved.
Allusions to the death of this kinsman occur in several
subsequent letters beside the following, wliich is ad--
dressed to his mother not long after the sad event.

To Mrs. S.

" August 7th, 1851.

** My dear sister will excuse my not writing her ere
this. I have very much wished to do so, but could not
compose myself long enough at a time, with such con-
stant calls.

" Dr. I and his wife have taken a journey, leav-
ing little E in my care. He is as little trouble as

a child can be, yet the fear that something might
happen to him in the absence of his parents has made
me exceedingly anxious. Josiah has also been very
unwell, and he is so unused to being really sick that it
was pretty hard for him. However, he is better now,
and the dootor has returned, so that I am relieved of
my most pressing cares. None of these, I suppose,
would be any trouble to one who was young and well ;
but old age and infirmity, you know, make a world of
difference.

" We have felt for you very much, dear sister, in your
new and unexpected trial. Joseph was the last one
whom I should have expected to come to a premature
death. I always thouglit him a man of healthy and
vigorous constitution, and expected he would live to be
25*

294 BIOGEAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

the prop of your old ago. But our heavenly Father
has ordered it otherwise. Our only consolation is and
must he that He is too wise to err, and too kind need-
lessly to afflict. Oh, let us trust him stilL I have
never knowni your trials experimentally in hurying
promising children ; hut / have had those that required
faith to hear, and still I w^ould say, ' though he slay me,
yet will I trust in him.' Dear sister, while you mourn
over your departed loved ones, let gratitude fill your
heart for those that remain. I pray that they may
still he spared, and continue to he a hlessing and a
conifort to you.

« ^ ». says some of my friends wondered that I

could WTite such long letters ahout my journey. They
cost me much pain, it is true ; hut I had enjoyed much,
and ^vished to share that enjoyment wdth those wdio
were not with me. It would he a poor delight to me
■which I could not impart a portion of to others.

*' We hope to see you here in the fall. Mrs. IM is

ready to accompany you to New- York, and we shall

depend upon a visit then. Love to sister T and all

friends, from

" Yours truly,

'' Lydia.'^

To Mrs. B., of S. H.

" August 9th, 1851.
*'Your precious letter of July 23d was gratefully re-
ceived. It afforded us pleasure to hear that Dr. H-

"was no worse, hut w^as well enough to journey. I write
this to say that we should ho most happy to sec
him here to pass a week or more with us. He would

BIOGRAPHY OF INIRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 295

have all the benefit of sea bathing and pure air, and we
would try to make him comfortable as possible. Do
you not think our plan would do ? We very much want
him to get well, if it is our heavenly Father's will;
for it docs seem as if he could not bo spared from his
dear family and friends. I am very glad to hear little
Harriet is better. May slie be continued to you all.
But love her not too well. Earthly treasure is a ' broken
reed/ to lean upon, and oft a spear

* On who.se sharp point peace bleeds and hope exph-es.'

But this is a needless caution, perhaps, to you, and surely
comes with an ill grace from one who has not had half
the discipline and experience which it has been your lot
to bear. I recollect your once telling me that you Jiad
tried every rope in the ship ; and I know your faith has
been an example to ns all. The recollection of my
visit to you, how vivid, how delightful ! It will afford
food for memory to feast npon for a long time to come.

Abby T is longing to hear an account of it from

my own mouth, for she, too, was deeply interested in
Sackett's Harbor friends.

" Soon I suppose the C family will assemble to

witness the nuptials of Miss H . 3Iay every thing

be propitious to the happy occasion. Mr. B , I un-
derstand, is to tie the knot indissoluble. Eemember us

to them all, and say to H that the violet she gave

me bore the journey home and is carefully cherished
for her sake. Our dear Anna has been much afflicted
in the unexpected death of her second brother, thirty-
nine years of age. He had been residing in St. Louis

296 BIOGPtAPHT OF MPxS. LYDIA B. BACON.

twelve years or more. For about eiglit months lie had
been indisposed, with cough and pain in his side, but
never told his friends. He tried the cod-liver oil, but
without effect, and at length became so feeble that his
physician advised him to try his native air. He set out
for home, being obliged frequently to stop to gather
strength to proceed. When at length he reached his
mother's, he entered, looking like a corpse. What a
shock to his friends, who had not heard he was sick,
and did not know that he intended visiting them !
Four weeks from the time he entered the house he was
carried from it to his burial. that this afflictive event
may be sanctified to Anna ! She feels her loss deeply ;
may it teach her the uncertainty of life, and the neces-
sity of immediate preparation to meet the summons
which must sometime come to her. This is the third
severe blow which has come to her in less than four
years. Two brothers and a sister in this short period
have fallen victims to this dread destroyer. Pray for this
dear child, that her heart may be softened, and that
she may now make her peace with God, and become a
happy follower of the Eedeemer."

" Yours ever,

"L. B. Bacon."

To Mrs. B d.

" Septemher, 1851.

" How delightful it would be, my precious E ,

could I just step into your sweet home and enjoy an
hour's chat, instead of telling you my thoughts on paper.

* This prayer has been graciously answered in the hopeful con-
version of this young relative.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDTA B. BACON. 297

But as this cannot bo, I am truly thankful for so good
a medium of communication as pen and ink ; for one
of my greatest earthly comforts is that of holding con-
verse with you and yours. My visit renewed and deep-
ened all my former interest ; and all I have to regret
is its briefness. Oh, that visit ! how we did enjoy it !
Your home continually rises in imagination before me.
Again I am with you, in your beautiful garden, in the
woods, by the lake ; again I see your dear little girls
frolicking with their pet lamb, and long to be a child
myself and join the sport. Kiss those darlings for me,
and do not let them forget their Auntie Bacon.

" How did the children like the ' Bible Stories ? ' and
how did you enjoy ' Wide, AYide World ? ' I would
thank yon, ere I forget it, for your letter describing
your visit to Albany. It was full of interest to me, and
I was delighted that you went.

" We wanted you with us, week before last, at Port-
land, whither we went to the meeting of the American
Board. It was a feast indeed. You will of course read
the report in the papers, and I will not enlarge npon it.
The returned missionaries held an interesting meeting
with the children one morning. One of the largest
churches was full to overflowing. It was good to be
there, althongh I was suffering from bruises received
from a fall the day before we left home. You remember
the situation of our attic stairs. I was coming down,
and, it being rather dark, thought I was npon the last
stair when I was on the second. So I stepped off, and
fell, striking my head just over my right eye, and com-
ino^ down with great force npon my stomacli and ribs.
I cannot describe to you the dreadful jar which it gave

298 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

to my whole system. As tlie Hibernian said, ' I iJiought
I was lulled,^ but soon rose, made tbe proper appliances,
and the next day, though feeling very lame, went to the
meeting. I had a wonderful preservation of life and
limb, for which I hope I am truly thankful. I still feel
the effects of my fall, and fear I shall for some time.

*' How is dear Sophia D ? I sent her a few lines

after our return, reminding her of her promise to visit
us, and requesting her husband to inform us at what
depot we should meet them and when. But having seen
and heard nothing from them, I conclude they have not
visited the seaboard. It would have given us great
pleasure to see and entertain them. Do remember us
to that dear family most affectionately, and ask them
if they received our letter.

" The great jubilee" is over. We trust it may be pro-
ductive of good and inspire the people on both sides the
border with a more fraternal feeling. We hoped to see
your dear father among the visitors, knowing his deep
interest in such works of practical utility. I did not
attend the celebration myself, having no desire to be in
such a crowd, and thinking it better for my health to
remain in my peaceful home. You no doubt read the
proceedings in the papers, and know as well as I could
tell you how fine the weather was, how splendid the
parade, how interesting the speeches, &c., &c.

" Husband and Anna join me in kind remembrances

to you all. A fnlly intended writing to Sophia ere

this, but has been prevented hitherto. Tell dear S

* The celebration of the completion of the Grand Junction Rail-
way, connectmg Canada with Boston and New York.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 209

we remember all lier kindness, and hope sometime to liave
an opportunity to return it. I could but lainjh to liear
you projecting anotlier visit from us next summer. Xo,
dear, it is your turn now, and we shall hope to see you.
Adieu for the present.

** Your affectionate,

''L. B. Bacox.'^

Mrs. Bacon's interest in the new enterprise under-
taken by a colony from the church to which she had
for many years belonged, did not abate. Yet she loved
both the branches of this fair and goodly tree ; and al-
though her more direct efforts were given to the in-
crease and enlargement of that one with which herself
and husband were now identified, still she never forgot
to pray for and rejoice in the prosperity of the others.
The sisters in Christ who were accustomed to unite with
her in their weekly circle of prayer, will not soon forget
the frequency and fervor of her petitions for '' the sister
church." Especially did she plead " that God would
send them a pastor — a man after his own heart, to go
in and out before them, and break unto them the bread
of life.''

This prayer was (as wo trust) graciously answered ;
and Mrs. B. rejoiced in the event with hearty sincerity.
The two churches were now called the "Broadway,"
and " Chestnut street," after the streets in which they
were respectively located. The new building was in
Chestnut street ; and the expense incurred in its erection
was so great, that the ladies connected with the enter-
prise resolved to furnish it from the avails of their own
industry. Accordingly a social levee was held, at which

300 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDLA. B. BACOX.

various articles wliicli tlie ladies had prepared, and many
otliers wliicli had been generously bestowed upon them,
were exhibited and sold. This explanation is given
that the allusions to these facts in some of the letters
which follow, may be better understood.

To Mrs. T

''December 31, 1851.

'' True, indeed, my dear — our letters are few and far
between. But we have such constant intercourse with

and thus hear from each other so often, that it

seems almost like living together. Still I should love
to write oftener, if time and strength would allow me ;
but I cannot write without hurting my side, and there-
fore am apt to omit it unless I have something special
to communicate.

" You complain of a monotonous life ; but did not
you ask for rest 9 God has granted your request, but
he has done it in his way, not ^ours. Oh, how
many times has God answered my prayers and given
me that which I asked. But he has always done it in
his o^vn way, and often in a totally different method
from what I expected. I often quote to myself those
expressive stanzas of John Newton's.

" ' I asked the Lord that I might grow
In faith and love and e^ery grace;
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.
'Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust, has answered prayer :
But it has been in such a ivay
As almost drove me to desj)air.'

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 301

" The loss of the babe was, I know, a great disap-
pointment ; but think of it with other loved ones as
basking in the sunshine of a Saviour's love where there
is no sin. Oh, that sinless world! To be without sin
for a single moment would be hliss ; but to be forever
free from it, unspeakable blessedness!

" I wdsh I had thought to ask you to make something*
for our sale : I am sure you would have been interested.
I do not very much approve of fairs for religious pur-
poses. But ours was not one of the common kind:
every objectionable feature, (as far as we could control
circumstances) was carefully excluded. ' Grab boxes/
* lotteries,' &c., which are among the usual excrescences
of these occasions, were omitted ; and propriety and
decorum marked all the proceedings. The whole affair
was * got up ' in about six weeks. We have three ves-
tries under our church. The largest, which wall seat
five hundred, was arranged with taste and beautifully
decorated with evergreens. In this the sale was held ;
the tables, ten in number, which were well filled with
useful and fancy articles, were upon the sides of the
room. This left ample space for visitors ; and although
there w^as a large number, there was no jam. One of
the smaller vestries received the hats, cloaks, &c., while
in the other tea was served three times ; only as many
being admitted at once, as could be comfortably waited
upon. They entered by one door and retired by another,
so that there was no confusion. We have realized
already exclusive of all expenses ^775 dollars, and shall
reach ^800 or more. Besides this eff*ort, we are mak-
ing the covers to our pew cushions, thus saving much
expense to the society. '••' '•' ^^ *

26

302 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

With the compliments of the season, I send you and

a little present, the work of my own hands.

" Yours truly,

"L. B.Bacon."

To Mrs. E. C. B.

^^ January \st^ 1852.

" Many, very many happy returns of this season to
my dear E., to her hushand, and her darling girls. I
should have answered your letter sooner, but wished
•when I did write, to he able to tell you something about
our new church. But first I must refer to the contents
of your last, and tell you how delighted I was with
your description of that wedding. How beautiful must
have been that garden with the arbor lighted within
and so elegantly adorned ; and heaven's splendid lamp
illuminating the whole with a brilliancy which no arti-
ficial light could equal. I cannot tell you how much I
think of you all at Geneva and at Sackett's. Since
my visit there, my heart has been clinging to old friends
with fresh tenacity. The fountains of memory were
stirred afresh ; and by-gone scenes have risen up before
me with a vividness at once real and startlino^. Hus-
band enjoys the remembrance of our visit as much as I
do ; it forms the subject of much sweet mutual converse.
How kind in our heavenly Father to permit us so
great a happiness. I am glad that your mother went
with the bridal pair upon their journey. I think her
return must have been a little sad when she came to
realize that all her daughters have now left the beauti-
ful home of their childhood.

" Our new church is a beautiful structure. Only the

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 303

outside of the edifice and the vestries are finished.
There are three of these. The largest which will seat
five hundred is desio-ned for our conference mectincrs.
At present we use it for public worship on the Sabbath,
and shall, I suppose, until the church is finished. There
are two smaller vestries opening into the large one by
folding doors, and communicating also with an entry
which is accessible to each room independent of the
others. One of these smaller vestries is for our sewing
circle meetings and the other for our tea room at our
monthly and annual social gatherings. Opening from
the tea room is a large pantry with a boiler set, a
pump, and sink. This not only affords us conveniences
for tea at our benevolent and social meetings, but also
for cleaning the church and vestries without troubling
our neighbors for hot or cold water. In addition to
these, we have three closets which are to hold our dishes,
our sewing, and our refreshments. The latter are fur-
nished by the members and are necessary because we
come to our sewing circle early in the afternoon and
stay until nine in the evening. We hope thus to accom-
plish much, and to make our gatherings something
more than a ceremony. We assist in supporting a
pious young man in college who is preparing for the
ministry ; we clothe destitute children for the Sabbath
school; we send an occasional box of clothing to a home
or foreign missionary ; and the rest of our earnings we
appropriate towards defraying the expenses of our relig-
ious enterprise. Our house when completed will cost
(including the organ) about g22,000. The ladies of the
church and society have held a sale and social levee to
assist in furnishing the edifice. They have raised over

304 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

jS!800. The sale was held during three afternoons and
evenings. On the last afternoon, the children were
admitted, and had a fine time you may be sure. Each
child spent their pocket money according to their fancy ;
and as there were plenty of toys for sale, fifes, drums
and whistles all sent forth their choicest sounds. I
went in on purpose to see the children's happy faces and
watch their glee and enjoyment. When they had
amused themselves as long as was judged best, we gave
them their supper and dismissed them, delighted with
their entertainment.

" Do you remember little Catharine who died such a

happy death at her uncle Y 's in Madison bai racks ?

I wrote a short account of it some years ago for the
* Sabbath School Visitor. ^ While thinking what J could
do personally to furnish articles for our tables at the
sale, it occurred to me that I mio^ht revise that little
story and have it printed and sold. A good brother in
the church, learning my purpose, offered to print it gra-
tuitously. This was done and nearly two hundred of
the little books were sold at the tables. I send you a
copy for the children, whirh they will read with interest
because you can assure them of its truth. Dear Kate !
I trust the perusal of her short experience may be
blessed to many.

" Husband is in better health than when we saw you,
and joins me in love to yourself, Mr. B., and the chil-
dren. Tell the latter that Uncle Bacon wishes to know
if their lamb has lived through this cold winter. Write
soon, dearest, and tell us of your welfare.
" Your ever affectionate,

" L. B. Bacon."

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 305

To Mrs. S

''February IG, 1852.

" I acknowledge, my dear that I am a misera-
ble correspondent both as to the matter and frequency
of my epistles. For this there are several reasons. One
is that A writes you often and keeps you well in-
formed of all the news in our family and place. Then
we have such frequent communications through our
mutual friends that it leaves me little worth commit-
ting to paper; and lastly, it tires me to w^rite much, and
I do not like to do it often. I hope this will find you
well, as I hear you have been favored in this respict
since your return. How delightful it must have been
to you, after your journeyings, to be seated once more in
your own snug domicil wi:h all your wants supplied,
and your good children and friends evincing their
pleasure at vour return by numberless acts of kindness.
How sweet, how refreshing to our spirits are such man-
ifestations, especially when we can receive th^m (as I
know you do,) as coming from the hand of our heavenly
Father. Yes, you and I can both speak of and praise
the goodness of God through our long and changeful
lives. Even our crosses — and I don't compare mine
with yours, though I have had those that tried both
faith and patience — even these have been blessings in
disgui.se. In that blessed land whither we hoi)e to go,
we shall know the reasons for each afflictive dispensa-
tion ; and shall bless our covenant-keeping God lor all
the trials we have experienced lure. Let usj then exer-
cise a living faith in him ; appiopiiating the righteous-
ness of Christ as our only jusiitication, and receiving
pardon and salvation through his atoning blood. AVe
26*

306 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

cannot fathom either his wisdom or his love ; hntwe can
trust him, and this is required at our hands.

" 1 have been very sick lately, more so than since I
have lived in Chelsea ; but am now slowly mending. It
is five weeks since I have been out ; and during all this
time I have not been able to see my poor sailors, though
I know all about them. I do love to go in and visit
them and try to do them good. Two missionaries visit
them evi'ry week, and converse, pray, and distribute
tracts among them. Thus their souls and bodies are
still cared for. * * ^^ ^ ^ *

"Is it not cheering after so long a withholding of
the blessed Spirit, to read in almost every paper that it
is being poured out in copious effusions in various pla-
ces? The great cities are not passed by. The Bap-
tists in Boston and here also arc sharing largely in this
blessing. We have had a mercy drop or two, which I
hope may be the precursor of a plentiful shower of di-
vine grace. Our sister church at Broadway has settled
a pastor. He appears to be a godly, devoted man, and
we hope his labors may be blessed. We need the Spirit
of Gud to be poured out upon these churches, that both
our houses may be filled with devout worshipers. Our
new church will be finished the last of March. We find
we were not too hasty (as some feared) in dividing and
erecting another church edifice; for one would not hold
both our congregations even now; and several are wait-
ing for the new church to be finished to locate with us.
Pray for us — and remember us afR-ctionately to all
friends. Yours in love,

«*Lydia B. Bacon."

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 307

To Mrs. B.

'' Marcli, 1852.

" I cannot express to you, my beloved E , what a

comfort your letters arc to me. It fills my heart witli
gratitude to our heavenly Father, that though he has
seen fit to withhold the blessing of children from us,
yet we have those who love us like children, and to
whom we feel an affection almost parental.

" I do rejoice that your dear mother has so much
satisfaction in her girls. I say girls, particularly ;
because however loving, obedient and moral her sons
may be, yet the thought that none of them are the fol-
lowers of Christ must cause her many a sad and anx-
ious hour. I sincerely sympathize with you, my
precious child, in the removal of that loved grand-
mother ; and also in your disappointment at not behold-
ing her face, though shrouded in death. It was hard
to bear, but it was right: God afflicts us only for our
good. Has not this been our experience in past trials?
From your youth, God has been your refuge, and he
will never forsake those who rely upon him. Oh, how
full the Book of books is of promises to those who
trust And are not these promises all yea and ameu in
Christ Jesus ?

" I feel PTateful that I had the satisfaction of see-
ing my dear old friend once more before her exit.

Dear E , I don't bidieve you know hotv much reason

I have to love your grandmother. I cannot think of
the past without a burst of emotion: 'memory swells
with many a proof of recollected love.' Your mother
must feel her loss most sensibly : what a parent she has
been to her. Although she cau, and will accj[uiesce in

308 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

the dealings of her heavenly Father * who doeth all
things well,' yet the vacancy can never be filled. I
say this from experience. I think your dear mother
will have to vieit her daughters often, now that the tie
which so long kept her at home is removed, and she has
no young children to claim her attention. Your meet-
ing, as a family after this bereavement must have been
sadly sweet. I remember after we laid my dear mother
in her last resting-place, how precious it was to talk
together of her virtues and worth — how soothing to
speak of her love to the Saviour, and her trust in
him. How the sting of such a loss is extracted by the
assurance that all is well with the departed. Three of
our dear old friends from Sackett's have left us since
the commencement of the year, your grandmother,
Mrs. Buchanan, and Mr. T. Osgood. The latter was a
blessed man. Like his divine Master, he went about
doing good ; many of my most delightful associations
are connected with his memory. You recollect, no
doubt, his vi^it to Sackett's and his interest in the Sab-
bath School. Our first books for that school wire pro-
cured by him. Sister Buchanan, too, was a most
interesting woman. Thus they drop from our side, one
by one ; may we be as well prepared when our summons
shall come.

" I have been quite sick (since 1 wrote you last) with
the prevailing influenza, attended with a violent cough,
which prostrated me exceedingly. I am now slowly
recoverino' and able to 2:0 out when the weather is
pleasant. I have not been to meeting but once bince
the tenth of January. Such a cuniinement from the
house of God, has not happened to me le.ore in fifteen

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 309

years. Yet I must say that tliis time of retirement has
been sweet to me. I have been (since the first three
weeks of my illness) able to read, write, and sew some ;
and have enjoyed such a season of quiet meditation as
I never had before. My mind has dwelt much upon
the past — the Lord's dealings with me, the friends that
he has blessed me with, their continued kindness, and
unchanging regard to one so unworthy. But most
have I thought upon God's great mercy in leading me
to trust in the precious Saviour ; though I do not forget
his kindness in providing for so long a time such a com-
fortable home for my advancing age. Oh, his goodness
is unspeakable ! Your letter, dear E , was charm-
ing. I was glad to find that your opinion of ' Wide,
-wide world,' coincided so exactly with mine. It is said
there is to be a sequel — I hope it may be equally good.
One of the most exciting scenes, I think, was Ellen's
encounter w^ith that wicked man, when she was on
horseback. That was so horridly teasing: but the
mean fellow must have looked well lying in the mud.
"Well — it is hard to keep the rush light burning ; do not
we, though children of a larger growth, find it so?
The divine injunction 'watch,' seems constantly sound-
ing in my ears — Oh, may I heed it, and * watch unto
prayer.'

*' Uncle Bacon sends love and kisses to the dear
children ; and is very glad to hear their lamb, [it must
be a sheep now] is well and continues to bo a comfort
to them. They must have had a nice time coasting as
we call it here. There has been a sufficiency of ice
and snow this winter, and the boys and girls have
enjoyed it well. I am glad you approve of this kind of

310 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

exercise even for ^irls : it is healthy and invigorating.
If well clad, children need not fear the cold. It was
one of my favorite amusements when a child to play in
the snow.

*' Many thanks for your pressing invitation, and that
of your little ones, to visit you and them the coming
summer. Nothing could give us more pleasure : but,
we cannot indulge so soon again in such a luxury.
Cannot you come to us and bring the dear children ?
They would return to tlieir beautiful retreat with
renewed pleasure. We feel very sorry to hear your
sister S , is so feeble. She is being tried and puri-
fied for that better world, wdiose inhabitants never say
' I am sick.' Eemember me to her, and to all your
sisters when you write.

" I have been reading a little book called ' Sunny
Side.' It is a small volume ; but I send you a copy, of
which I beg your acceptance, and hope you will enjoy it
as w^ell as I have.

'' D.av E , I have written a long letter, but it

has been wdth some tribulation, as it hurts me not a
little to write. Adieu, my beloved.

" From your affectionate,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. H. B.

'' April bth, 1852.
" My very dear sister: — Your letters are a precious
solace to me. The last one found me just recovering
from the influenza, a severe attack of wdiich has con-
fined me to the house most of the time since January.
It was accompanied by a violent cough which caused

EIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 311

great wealviiess, and the weather has been unusually
cold and stormy, especially upon the Sahbath, so that it
was not thought prudent for mc to venture out. Our
new ehureli is finished, and the dedication took place
last Wednesday evening. I felt as if I must go : so we
sent for a close carriage, and I have felt no inconveni-
ence from the exposure. The services were very appro-
priate and impressive. Our good pastor preached a
most excellent sermon from these words in Isaiah GOth,
7th : ' I will glorify the house of my glory.' The
good minister from our sister church was present, and
took part in the exercises.

" The music was performed by our own choir, and
was very satisfactory to the audience. Our house is
neat and symmetrical, and will seat one thousand per-
sons. We have a very fine organ and select choir, with
one of the best choristers in the world. The church is
carpeted and cushioned, mostly by the efforts of the
ladies. It is to be lighted with gas ; and warmed by
furnaces of course. We find our three vestries very
convenient. I believe I gave you an account of the
manner in which they were connected by folding doors.
But I did not tell you as I should have done, that they
are all thrown open for the Sabbath school exercises
every Sabbath, one of them being specially devoted to
the infant department. We have had a few hopeful
conversions, and a very few are inquiring the way to
Zion. Oh, how much we need an abundant shower
of divine grace. Do unite with me, dear sister, in
prayivg for such a blessing : zve hioiv hy happy experi-
ence that our God hears and aimvtrs prayer. Though
the blessing tarry, yet it will assuredly come.

312 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

" I have mucli to be thankful for, in being once more
able to resume my customary duties. For many weeks,
I was unable to visit my poor sailors, the state of my
lungs forbidding me to talk much. This and my ina-
bility to attend church were great deprivations. But
my sickness was after all a pleasant one, and I was sur-
rounded with mercies innumerable. Among them were
a kind husband and niece to anticipate my wants, the
sympathy of my Christian friends, and a resigned
spirit to my heavenly Father's will — all the gift of
him in whom I live, and move, and have my being.
What could I ask more ? Now in pleasant weather, I
am able to walk out on God's footstool to breathe his
air, and go to his house with those who love to keep
holy day. ' Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is
within me bless his holy name.'

" You speak, dear H , of our long tried friend-
ship. Very sweet indeed has it been to me : and I
count my intercourse with your dear family, one of the
greatest blessings of my life. Your dear Harriet too,
and her little one and her good husband, we feel a
lively interest in. We hope to hear that a more conge-
nial clime has restored the health of the latter, that
your dear family circle may not be broken at present.
Do remember us most affectionately to the doctor, and
assure him of our sympathy in his long continued
illness. We think and speak of you all more than ever
since we were with you : that delightful visit revived so
many tender recollections. What a life ours has been :
it seems as if we had more cause for gratitude to God,
and to our friends, than any one ever had. Oh, for a

BIOGRAPHY OF MUS. LYDIA B. BACON. 313

heart to love and serve tliat Llesscd Being', wlio lias so
cared for sucli unwortliy creatures.

" Dear E. B. informed us of her grandinother'3
death, and also that you did not allow a stranger*s
hand to perform the last sad offices for that blessed
woman. How lonely that house must seem without
one whose life was so blended with every scene of joj
or sorrow witnessed there. Her death is the third
among those dear old valued frienJs since this year
began. With those thiee are associated some of the
happiest moments of my pilgrimage : how sweet is
their memory still.

*' Do not fail to write soon and tell us about the doc-
tor. We are grieved at his protracted illness : but glad
that he is so resigned to his heavenly Father's will,
and can cheerfully await the issue, whether it be life,
or death. Our kindest thoughts and prayers attend
you all. With love^ to yourself and dear ones.
" I remain as ever, Yours truly,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. B .

''June2dtJi, 1852.

" You can never know, my loved Elizabeth, what a
treasure your letters are to me. Indeed, I should have
said to us, for husband and Anna enjoy them very much.
Still, they cannot feel as I do towards you who have
been the child of my afPoctions from your earliest youth.
I had become quite anxious at vour delay in writing,
and was daily looking and hoping for a letter, when A.
came to my room, with a beaming face, and handed me
your welcome epistle. From your long silence, I had
27

314 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

feared that you were in trouble, and so it proved. Your
heavenly Father has again tried you in the furnace of
affliction. But blessed be his name that he has gra-
ciously delivered you, giving back that precious life, so
important to the earthly comfort of yourself and chil-
dren and friends. I feel that this new instance of God's
goodness to you in sparing your beloved, will renew your
gratitude and devotion to your Divine Benefactor. May
it lead you to a closer walk with Him and more entire
reliance on that Almighty arm which is promised to
deliver all who put their trust in Him.

'' This season of the year brings with increased fresh-
ness the memory of our very pleasant journey and visit
to yourself and other friends. Our recollections of it
are delightful — all your kindness and attention, the
sweet seasons by the beautiful lake with those darling
children — all rest upon my mind as if it were but yes-
terday. A year has fled most rapidly since then. How
many have passed to the spirit-land while we are
spared !

As I sit in my pleasant room, the prospect never
seemed more charming than at present. The flowers
are in full bloom, and the vegetable and fruit gardens
are yielding and promising most abundantly. But as I
gaze beyond them, mementos of death greet my eye —
the colors at half mast on the steamboats, the shipping
at anchor, and the State House all proclaim that a great
and honorable one has fallen. Henry Clay Avas one of
the Union's most cherished sons. His mind was clear
and vigorous to the last ; and he was a firm believer in
that blessed Being who gave him such a giant intellect
to use for his country's good. He fell asleep with a

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 315

sweet, confiding trust in liis Eedcemer, and, we will
hope, is now among tlic happy throng who, with deep
hamilit}^ cast their crowns at a Saviour's feet.

" My dear Josiah has been for some time past very
unwell with dyspepsia. It has troubled him somewhat
ever since we returned from our visit to New York
State ; but he is now rather better, and I hope may
recover fully, and enjoy his usual health. My own is
much better than when I wrote you last. I trust I am
thankful for this, as it needs vigor of body and mind
to fill our present sphere of action usefully. We do not
feel hardly able to lay by the oar yet; but all tliis we
leave witli Him who has sustained us in our youth and
will not forsake us in our old age.

" Husband is very much interested at present in a
new institution for sailors which is just being estab-
lished. It is to be called the Snug Harbor, and is
desio-ned for those seamen who are worn out with toilino:
fur others' luxuries, and have no money, and no home
where they may rest their weary heads. Here they are to
have their souls as well as bodies cared for and minis-
tered unto. We think this subject ought to make a
strong appeal to all, but especially to those who have
2:rown rich throuo-h the hard toil of the sons of the
ocean. This society has been incorporated, and its
officers are now taking preliminary steps for the collec-
tion of funds and the purchase of a location. The
location which they have in view is very delightful, being
about eleven miles fn.m Boston, and easily accessible
both by huul and water. They wish Mr. Bacon to take
the superintendence ; but we are too old to take the
laboring oar in such an establishment; then we are as

316 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

useful here as -^^e could be any where ; and when we leave
this situation it must be for one of retirement. AVere
we thirty years younger, nothing would delight us more.
But, although we do not desire to rust out, yet we do
not feel so well able to labor as we once did. We have
almost attained the age allotted to man, yet we are
thankful that we are still able to do something. ' Surely
goodness and mercy have followed us all our days.'

" You, as a family, are highly favored in being per-
mitted to meet once more, and have the last fledged

one return to you in safety. How does H like

her new abode? No doubt it is a pleasant one; but
methinks I hear her say, ' Sackett's, "With all thy faults,
I love tbee still/' '

" We are sorry to hear so sad an account of the health

of our dear friend. Dr. H , though we feared it

would be so. When a person is so low with consumption
that his medical advisers recommend another clime, I
never expect any permanent improvement. I am daily
expecting to hear from him through my beloved Mrs.
B. We do sympathize with them. He has so much
to render life desirable, and his great usefulness at
Sackett's, together with their need of him there, would
seem to make his removal a mysterious providence, hard
to be understood. Yet, even with so much to keep us
here, how much more desirable is heaven. Oh, dear
E., do you not sometimes get a glimpse of that glorious
state

' Whose precincts sin and sorrow ne'er invade ' ?

"T am glad you were pleased with < Sunny Side.' I
have just read ' Queechy.' It is an interesting work,

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 317

but more of a novel than I supposed. It is not so docid-
edlj religious as 'AVide, Wide World,' but may please
the multitude more. I do not think 'Fleda' quite so
natural a character as * KUen Montgomery.' She is a
little too perfect. It cost ' Ellen ' something to keep
her * rush-lio-ht ' burnino;. I think the authoress a fine
writer, and her style at once chaste and refined.

"We have had some religious interest in both our
churches, but no special revival. The Broadway church
has been fitted up very neatly, and enclosed with an iron
fence. They have a most excellent minister whom they
love very much. ^ ^'^ ^ * "' "'

"Do, dear E., write soon to your attached friend,

" L. B. Bacon.''

To Mrs. B r.

'' S^pt 10, 1852.
" Tily dear sister H. : — It is an unspeakable comfort
to have such a friend as you have ever been to me.
You have responded with ready sympathy to all the
varied phases of my life, both in joy and sorrow. Need
I assure you that your kind feelings are fully recipro-
cated ? We think much of you all. and especially of
your dear invalid (Dr. H.), in his debility and suffering.
We do pray that you may all be supported under this
heavy trial and impending blow with that Almighty
grace which alone can bo suflncient for a time like this.
We know the aged must die ; but when death sets his
mark on those in the prime of life, with every requisite
for usefulness, we are very apt to ask, Why is it? The
Christian has this consolation (and it is his alone),
God is his father and friend, and will afflict him only
27*

318 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

for his gcocl. 'Whose God is like unto our God?'
Blessed thought.

**I should have written you sooner, dear H., but
I too have been called to wait upon a sick husband.
Hoping that I should be able to say he had entirely
recovered, and having much to do in addition to my
usual duties, I have deferred answering your affection-
ate and interesting epistle until I can no longer suffer
you to think me so indifferent to your welfare. I want
very much to hear from the Dr., and so concluded to
write, although I cannot tell you as I hoped that my
dear Josiah is restored to health. He is better, however,
though still extremely feeble. He has not been well
since our return from your house last summer. He was
troubled some with dyspepsia, and became very sensitive
to cold, and at length had somethino; of a cou^h. All
this has gradually undermined his strength and dimin-
ished his fli'sh, until now he is only the shadow of his
former self. In July we went to Centre Harbor solely
on his account, hoping a change of air might be a ben-
efit, as the Dr. said his lungs were not materially
affected. But he returned more feeble than he went.
All this time he was trying to do all his business as ever,
without calling a physician. At length he was obliged
to consult one, who found him with rapid pulse and hot
skin, and symptoms of inflammation on the liver. The
medicines administered acted promptly on the system,
and produced so salutary an effect that we hoped his
recovery would be speedy and sure. But, contrary to
our expectations, he still continues very weak, and his
appetit- does not rally at all. The hot weather is very
trying to him. When he was in health it troubled him

BIOGRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 319

exccodinglj, and mucli more now lie is so feeble. He
feels so much better in a cool day that we are encouraged
to hope the advancing cool weather may be favorable to
him. But he has lost thirty pounds of flesh in a few
weeks ! Oh, I cannot describe my feelings when I look
at the luisband of my youth, and see him so altered.
That strong arm on which I used to lean with so much
confidence, is now so lueak that it makes my heart ache.
You know, dear sister, that few men have been blessed
with such uniform health through a long life as lie has,
and this makes the contrast with his present debility
more apparent. It should make us more reconciled to
this sickness when we consider how many years we have
both been favored beyond others. Oh, how blest have
we been in being able to wait upon God so long in his
house. Thirty years we have been communicants, and,
if my memory serves me rightly, husband has never
been absent from the table of our Lord but twice.
Twelve years we have sojourned in this place, and last
Sabbath was the first communion season that he was
absent from his post. I, too, have been absent at such
a time but twice or thrice, and in this place never.
Surely tliis is evidence of the loving kindness of our
God toward us: it is on this account solely that I men-
tion it. Thus have we b^en favored above many who
were much more deserving- ; and shall we not then be sub-
missive under our present aftliction, and bless the Hand
that smites so gently ? We have neared the time allot-
ted to man in iliis world. Having a humbh' hope that
we are accepted in the Beloved, and our sins washed
away in his precious blood, should we not be ready to
depart ? True, we are surrounded with blessings and

320 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

privileges ; yet how much botter is heaven than earth.
There we shall feel no weariness in serving our Saviour ;
and, what is more precious to me, there we shall serve
him without sin.

We are rejoiced to know that our dear 11 and

her husband are so well sustained under their great
affliction. The promises of God are yea and amen to
those who trust him. We are glad to learn that Mrs.

is better, and that Mr. 's preaching is so

acceptable. You say ' no fruits appear as yet/ I -would
ask, have Christians prayed in faith for such a blessing?
Unless they do, they must not expect it. We have
additions every communion season to our number, mostly
from amono; the youno\ We should no doubt have
more, were we as a church more prayerful and less worldly-
minded. We, too, need the s})irit in our midst, without
which Paul may plant and A polios water in vain. Do
remember us at a throne of grace.

'' ]\Irs. B d gave me an account of her husband^s

sickness : it must have been distressing indeed. We
are thankful that his valuable life has been spared.
May he be long continued a blessing to all with whom
he is connected.

" And now, dear sister, pray for us (as we do for you),
that we may be prepared for all that awaits us, and
may, witli sweet submission and holy patience, abide
God's will. With fervent prayer that you and we may
be divinely directed and su[)por:ed, I remain as ever
" Your affectionate and sympathizing

"L. B. Bacon.''

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 321

The Lope of her liiisl^ancVs recovery, -wlncli ]\lrs. Ba-
con expressed to her friend in the letter just given, was
not to be realized. Disease had taken firm hold, and
neither the fondest love, the most nntiring care, or the
best medical skill could arrest its progress. For two or
three weeks after the preceding letter was written, hopes
and fears alternately predominated as to the issue of his
sickness. His loving companion, whose sanguine tem-
perament always led her to look upon the bright side,
maintained a cheerful courage, and was hopeful of his
recovery almost to the last. Indeed, he was not confined
to his bed more than a week, and less than a month had
elapsed from the date of Mrs. B's last communication
ere she was tasting the bitterness of a great bereave-
ment. Her husband died on the first Sabbath in Octo-
ber, aged sixty-seven years and nine months. On
AVednesday, Oct. 6th, his funeral was attended in the
Chestnut st. church, where a solemn and impressive
discourse was delivered by his pastor, from these words,
" Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring
with him."

A few passages from this discourse briefly describing
the closing scene will here be given. " He received the
announcement that he must die without a change of ex-
pression or a word of regret." " The first time I saw
him after he had taken his bed and all hope of his
recovery was past, he took my hand and with an
expressive tear trickling down his cheek said, ' the will
of the Lord be done.' My judgment responded ' so let
it be,' but my heart cried out, ' if it be possible, let this
cup pass.' Eaised in his bed by strong men, he made
his last mark upon his quarterly returns forty-

322 BioaPvAPUT OF mrs. lydia b. baco:n'.

eight hours before his death. When told bj his brother
that all was right with respect to his accounts, like a
weary soldier when the battle was fought and the
victory won, he laid himself down to sleep. Not
another word about business escaped his lips. All was
just right ; not a pain too much ; death had not come
too soon ; his work was done ; all was peace. Christ
was near and precious, and heaven open before him.
We claim not for our friend an exemption f.om the
frailties whicli belong to our race. He saw much in his
past life to regret ; but all was well, because an
Almighty Saviour, in whom he trusted, had undertaken
on his behalf. So at half-past twelve on Sabbath noon, he
entered into his rest without a straggle. He had lived the
Christian life, and his death was that of the Christian."

The foUowino; are amono; the words of comfort
addressed to Mrs. Bacon by her sympathizing pastor •.

" The bereaved widow will find consolatiou both in
his life and in his death. She was his playmate in
childhood, his firm friend in riper years, his companion
in the camp and on the tented field. Nor was she less
his companion in his struggles against reigning sin, and
his conquests through heavenly grace ; in his church
relations at Sackett's Harbor and at Sandwich ; and in
the great and good work which he has accomplished
here, both for seamen and f.r this church and communi-
ty. And now she may be cheered vfith the hope that
this separation will be only for a season. This passed,
she shall join her beloved in a companionship which
nothing shall mar or interrupt. Christ is her surety,
God is her husband, and the bright bow of promise
spans the grave where this precious dust shall lie

BIOGRArilY OF MRS. LYDIA B. EACOX. 323

' Even so tlicm also wliicli sleep in Jesus will God Lring
with him.' Let her then in this sad hour say to her
troubled bosom, ' peace, be stilL' ' I was dumb ; I
opened not my moutli, because thou didst it.' "

Meekly did our afflicted friend bow her head under
this bereaving stroke. Though sorely chastened she
was not overwhelmed, and instead of gloomily poring
over this heavy trial she seemed to be gratefully re-
viewing the mercies of the past. The language both
of her heart and lips was, " Truly, goodness ar.d mercy
have followed me all my days." " Shall I receive good
at the hand of the Lord, and shall I not receive evil
also ?" So when the '' precious dust " of her beloved
w^as laid in the beautiful cemetery at " Woodlawn," with
touching resignation she said, " Farewell — I shall go to
him, but he will not return to me."

The aged step-mother of Mr. Bacon had survived
him. From this dear kinswoman Mrs. Bacon now
received a most touching letter of condolence, remarkable
as the production of one who had lived beyond the
allotted period of human life. Its perusal will show
that she had not outlived her sympathies, or the useful
exercise of her mental powers, though now at an ad-
vanced age. It is dated

''Portland, Oct 10, 1852.
*' My very dear daughter Lydia : — Although deeply
afflicted by this trying bereavement, I thought I would
write you a few lines, hoping they will find you sup-
ported under so severe a trial of your faith. AVe have
all experienced a sad loss. My dear child, I can truly

324 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^^.

sympatliize with 3' ou ; ' lover and friend Las God taken
from you/ But I trust he * has not taken his loving
kindness from you, nor suffered his faithfulness to
fail/ ' The foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his.'

" The last time I saw the dear departed, he looked
changed and sick, but oh ! to me so like his dear father,
that my heart yearned towards him much. Still I
hoped he would recruit a little, but was deceived in his
case as in that of my son AVilliam. And here am I
like the old stock of a tree : the useful branches are
cut off, and I am still left standing. Oh, may I be pre-
pared to meet the shaft of death as this dear departed
one has done. We feel a sweet confidence that through
the merits of a precious Saviour, he has entered upon
'the full enjoyment of God to all eternity.' This is a
consolation which no words can describe.

" May you, my dear, be filled with the peaceable
fruits of righteousness by the Lord's chastening hand.
For God is able not only to uphold the soul, but also to
enable it to rejoice in tribulation. Dear Lydia, it must
be a very trying time with you at present. I hope
your health will not suffer on account of the various
duties you may have to perform ; and as you have so
many good and kind friends to help take the burden of
care from you, you may have more time to meditate on
God's dealings with you. From place to place the Lord
has been your guide, and I trust will be * until you
change this mortal state for your eternal home.'

" My dear daughter, may this poor epistle find you
like Mary sitting at the feet of your Saviour, trusting

BIOGRAPHY OF MllS. LYDIA B. BACON. 325

in liis finislied rigliteoiisiicss and ransomed Ly liis
precious blood. And may the blessing of your heaven-
ly Father be with you. So prays

*' Your affectionate motlier,

" Agnes Bacon/'

The death of her liusband, of course, deprived Mrs.
Bacon of the home which for nearly twelve years she
had enjoyed and beautified. Another Steward must
take Mr. Bacon's place at the hospital, and his widow
must leave the spacious and airy rooms, every one of
which looked out upon a prospect extensive and beauti-
ful. Over those ample windows the vines which she
had cultured and trained, climbed in graceful luxuri-
ance, around the door steps, and in the broad window-
sills were clustered the choice plants which she had
raised and tended like household pets. Across the
graveled walk, lay her flower garden still smiling in
the remains of its summer beauty. And before her
danced the bright blue waves beyond whose glistening
summits the spires of the city, the dome of the capitol,
and Bunker Hill's gray shaft towered to the sky.

All these she must leave to the care, the hand, the
eye of a stranger. Painfully did her friends anticipate
her sadness at such a parting. But they were mis-
taken — " none of these things moved" her. A few
natural tears she shed, indeed. But it was not the loss
of these enjoyments that stirred her soul to its depths as
she contemplated her removal. "I can leave all
these," she said, " hut how can I glue iip my poor
sailors ? '^

The little property which her husband had gathered
28

326 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

from the savings of his salary, was hequeathed by him
to the " Sailors' Snug Harbor," mentioned in these
pages as about to be established in the neighborhood of
Boston. For (in the words of his pastor at his fune-
ral) we may say, " he loved the sailor. Long ago he
adopted the sons of the ocean as his children. While
he lived, he ceased not to labor and pray for their tem-
poral and spiritual good. And nearly all of this
world's goods, that he and his companion by economy
and industry have gathered and saved, is bequeathed
for their benefit when she shall have completed her
course."

The institution which Mr. Bacon thus contributed to
endow is located at Quincy Point ; and the last ride
which he planned, but which his rapidly failing strength
obliged him to relinquish., was to that place. It was
Mrs. Bacon's wish still to remain in Chelsea : and her
principal care for herself was to secure a quiet home of
easy access to the house of God, where she and her
departed had worshiped. " I know not," said she to
the writer, '' where to look for a boarding place ; but I
mean not to be over anxious. I have committed the
matter to my heavenly Father, and I feel that he will
provide." The next time I saw Mrs. B. she exclaimed,
with a smiling face, '' the Lord has taken care of me
and has provided me with just such a location as I
wished. Only think, it is in Chestnut street just oppo-
site our church, and in a nice quiet family. Oh, my
friend, it is good to trust in the Lord. He has never
failed me ; never disappointed my confidence."

The bereaving strokes of God's providence still con-
tinued to afflict our friend and call forth her sorrows for

BIOGrxAPIIY OF IMRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 327

herself and licr tendercst s3'mpat]iio,s for others. A
beloved niece who was happily married, and had just
gone (accompanied by her children and sister) to njoin
her husband in South America, was speedily called to
mourn that husband's sudden death. Mrs. Bacon
learned the sad news while on a visit to the parents of
her young relative ; and immediately addressed to her
the following letter of condolence.

'^ Brooldine, Feb. 14, 1852.
" From the heading of this letter, my dear afflicted
hiece will perceive that I am with her beloved parents
in this hour of trial. I came to make them a little
visit in their and my loneliness, but little did I antici-
pate such a dreadful blow to our happiness. To my
poor heart, it is like putting a fresh blister on one not
healed. How short-sighted we are ! How often
troubles come from a source where we least expected
them. Within five short months, death's unerring
shafts have laid each of our best earthly comforts low.
Dear, precious Sarah ! What shall I say to you in this
hour of your deep distress? I cannot, I would not bid
you not to mourn. This you cannot refrain from; and
I have too recently drank the bitter cup myself to be
able to give such advice. Mourn, you may, sweet child,
bereaved widow; but do it with resignation to your
heavenly Father's will, who has assured us he does not
willingly afflict, or grieve the children of men. We
cannot fathom his mysterious providences now, but the
time is coming when we shall know (what we are assured
of now) that all his dealings are for our best good.
May we take his precious promises, and with deep

oliS BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

humility plead them at the foot of the cross, praying
that these heart-rending trials may be sanctified to our
soul's eternal ^Yelfare. The promises of God are yea
and alien to those who believe. May the blessed Bible
so full, so rich in them, be your comfort and support;
and the result of tliis painful dispensation be righteous-
ness and peace. Thus may you be enabled to say ' it
is o:ood that I have been afflicted.'

" I need not assure you how deeply we all sympathize
with you : not only your own dear relatives, but your
friends and acquaintance. Several have called already
to express their heartfelt sympathy. The sad event
was not known here till late on Saturday. i\fter church
the next day, your pastor called ; and closed a short
conversation by offering prayer, in which, (I trust) we
all joined with chastened and believing hearts. Oh,
how tenderly and fervently did he pray for the widowed
young mother, the fatherless children, and the beloved
sister in a strano^e land, where the church-o;oino; bell is
not heard, or the Christian minister found to impart
consolation in such a time of need.

" Dear S., many prayers are offered on your behalf:
may you feel their blessed effects in your own soul.
May you be quickened and strengthened by the influ-
ences of the Holy Spirit, and find that relief at a throne
of grace which is the result of the prayer of faith. How
delightful is the thought amid such paucity of spiritual
good externally, that our covenant-keeping God is not
cm fined to time or place. Whatever place we make our
Bethel, he is there. I trust, dear one, that you will look
at the blessings still left you, and though these will not
fill the sad vacuum in your heart, yet they should alle-

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 329

viate your sorrow, and I feci that tlioy will. Still the
absence of the lover and friend of our youth can never
he fully appreciated but by those who experience it. In
this respect, I feel competent to judge. Oh, the desola-
tion that comes over me at times, let me be where I
will. It is not to be described and can only be felt.
But I endeavor to look away from the tomb, and in
view of the unbounded love of Christ, who is the ' resur-
rection and the life,' say ' the will of the Lord be done.'
Believe me your ever affectionate, widowed aunt,

"L. B. Bacox."

While these changes had passed over Mrs. Bacon, the
friends whom she loved at Sackett's Harbor and with
whom she maintained a most affectionate correspondence,
had been likewise visited with a bereavins: stroke. Dr.

H the son-in-law of the dear sister in Christ, Mrs.

B had gone to an early grave. To his youthful

widow who was the " little pet " of her earlier corres-
pondence, she now addresses the following brief letter
of condolence and sympathy.

" Chelsea, December 24, 1852.

*' My very dear H. : — Though our ages are so differ-
ent, yet our sorrows are so similar that I feel drawn to
you by a new and very tender tie. ^ '•-

"As memory with a bound retraces past events, I
find myself once more in that chamber where your
precious one was laid when arrayed in the habiliments
of the grave. There twenty-five years previous, you
first saw the light. Little did I think when I then re-,
ceived you to my arms and heart that we should bq

330 BIOGEAPHY OF MES. LYDIA B. BACON.

drawn togellier by such a tie as this. When I left you
a sprightly affectionate cbikl of four or five years in
your happy home, often did my heart yearn after you ;
hut never for a moment did I dream that our friendship
■would be riveted by a mutual call for sympathy in sor-
rows so identical. May nothing interrupt or mar this
friendship, till in the spirit land we join our beloved
companions (with whom on earth we took sweet counsel)
and unite in their praises of redeeming love. I often
think how much our glorified ones will then have to tell
us of the wonders of bliss which await the ransomed.
With you I can say tbat I wish my trial may teach me
just the lesson which my heavenly Father sees me to
need.

"I tbank you for your very interesting letter, and the
account of your beloved's last moments. Oh, how de-
lightful to contemplate such an exit! Well may your
young heart rejoice in the manifestation of such grace
and meetness for heaven. From the first moment I
saw your departed one, I loved him ; and as I became
more acquainted with him I felt more and more con-
firmed in my first impressions. In these feeliugs wy
dear one shared. With deep sorrow, we saw the rapid
strides of disease upon his fiail form. But, little did
we think that the same fell destroyer was slowly but
surely undermining the constitution of the hitherto
strong man, and that my dear Josiah would go first to
the grave. It is hard fur me to realize tliat I shall
never see him hero again. At times such a sense of
desolation comes over me that it is overwhelming. But
in reviewing his whole decline, I see so mueh mercy
that I am constrained to say, * lie doeth all things
well.'

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDTA B. BACOX. 331

'' Tell your dear mother that T now well uiidcrstand
the mcauino- of something she once said to me after
your father's death. It was to tliis effeet, ' that I had
not tried a^eri/ rope in the ship as she had.' She was
right. Though often called to mourn friemls wlio were
near and dear, yet I never before experienced a trial
like this. True, I am surrounded with friends wlio are
good and kiiul ; hut the deaiest earthly tie is broken,
the best human friend is gone. "Well — blessed be God,
there is a fountain to whii-h we can go when our earthly
cisterns are dried u\: — there is an arm upon wliieh we
can lean whic h will never fail us.

" We have a very pleasant boarding place in a quiet
family 7iear our church, so that nothing but sickness
will prevent my attendance on the means of grace. I
greatly desired and pi-ayetl for such a location that I
might be near the sanctuary, and the Lord granted my
request.

"I do regret leaving my poor sailors, but this is all
that troubles me in making this change. Tliis may
seem strange to those win know how much I enjoyed
living at the Hospital; but it is true. After my dear
Josiah's death, every thing appeared different ; and the
plea-ant things in which I formerly took delight, no
longer ministered to my enjoyment. I find that the
rest and fi'eedom from care whieh 1 now enjoy is good
for my health ; and 1 ])i-ize the time wliii^-h 1 could not
formeidy command for visiting my dear Christian
friends.

" I am glad to liear your health is so good ; may you
long be spared to bless your friends and the world.
Please write soon to your ever aftectionate

-L. B. Bacon."

332 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

The follawing letter to lior dear friend at Geneva, is
the last of a correspondence which had been continued
with interest and constancy for twenty years.

''3hrch 30th, 1853.

*' Yon see my beloved, that I hasten to obey that Last
injunction of your most welcome epistle. 1 reciprocate
the feeling that although circumstances might prevent
our writing to each other for ani/ length of time, we
could never forget our past friendship. Oh no, I shall
ever remember my precious Elizabeth ; your attachment
has been a great solace in tlie changes of my pilgrim-
age. Little did I think the first time I saw you,
(although that first time furnished me with thoughts
respecting your future character which have been more
than realized,) little did I think that my future happi-
ness wouUl be so interwoven with you.

" It gives me so much pleasure to hear of your good
health, and to know that your little girls are such a
comfort to you. Sweet little Maggie is just the right
one to senfl on a mission of charity ; for who could
resist her mild winning way? And it will be a good
lessen for her even at her early age. We cannot learn
too soon that we are all sent into this world to perform
our part in the great drama of life. How much to be
pitied are those selfish b- ings who live only for their
own gratification, and seek it in the pursuit of unsatis-
fying worldly pleasures.

•' With many thanks for your pressing invitation to
visit you the connng summer, I am obliged to say that
although it would give me much pleasure to comply
with your request, I shall not be able to do so. Should

BIOGRArnY OF MRS. LYDTA B. BACON. 833

my life and health be spared until some future occasion,
not far distant, I shall visit you and the dear friends afc
Sackott's Harbor. But my health is so infirm, and my
age such that I may be soon called to leave tliese sub-
lunary scenes for brighter ones above. Let your
prayers ascend that I may grow in grace, and that my
faitli fail not. Time does not familiarize my mind to
my lonely situation — and blow after blow falls upon my
stricken heart. Having no children of my own, I feel
more tenderly alive to the joys and sorrows of those
scarcely less dear than children, my nieces and nephews.
Two of the former have lost the beloved husbands of
their youth almost in a moment. One died in South
America with so brief a sickness that he did not speak
after he was thouo-ht dano-orous. He left a wife and
two sweet children in a land of strangers with no Christ-
ian friend to speak to, or Christian mini.ster to perform
the last sad rights for the dead, and speak consolation
to the living.

" The other 3'oung husband died among his friends,
but with even less warning of his sudden fate. While
riding to the city with his father in his own carriage, he
he was thrown and fractured his skull. Thus sadly do
we realize the oft repeated truth ' in the midst of life,
\io are in death.^

"The last left three lovely children, the eldest of
whom is not quite four years old. These sad strokes
have made me almost sick. I love these dear ones and
deeply feel their sorrows. Are not these sad realities?

*' I feel my loneliness more and more. I (h) want to
see you verv much. What a singular Providence that

334 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACO^.

your dear fatlier came to see us only a few clays "before
my dear husband took liis bed. Some friends from
Crawfordsville, Indiana, came also the day after your
father left. Each had the satisfaction of a last look of
him they were to meet no more in this Avorld. Write to
me, dear E., and believe me as ever your most obliged
and affectionate

" Lydia B. Bacox.'^

The friend to whom this was addressed little imag-
ined that it was the closing letter of this long and en-
dearing correspondence, but so it proved. Perhaps
none of Mrs. Bacon's friends (if we except her physi-
cian who was a valued kinsman) realized as fully as
she did her liability to sudden death. Often has she
said to the writer while making her feel the unusual
throbbing of her heart, " I expect to die suddenly ; but
no matter how sudden if only safe.'^ To another friend
she used to say, '' I am like the minute man, living only
by the moment — knowing not what a day may bring
forth." To others she said, " I know that I have dis-
ease of the heart and am liable to die at any moment.
It is my aim to live iu constant readiness for my sum-
mons. Then, though my death may take other's by
surprise, it will not startle 7ne.^' During the last
month of her life, she was visiting in a family where a
little child before retiring whispered its evening prayers.
After the child had left the room, she remarked, " I am
as much a child as that little one. For some time past
I have not closed my eyes without mentally repeating
as I used to do in my earliest years.

BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. 335

' XoAV I lay me do-s\n to slocj),
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.' "

This remark was made with a smile upon her face,
but tears stood in her eyes. Although certainly not
conscious that she was finishing her earthly course, she
so lived and walked for the last few weeks of her life,
as to leave upon the minds of many who saw her the
impression that she was setting her house in order,
knowing that she must " die and not live.''

She had for some weeks employed many of her leis-
ure moments in copying her journal for the niece who
resided with her. This she had often promised to do;
but had not before found sufficient leisure. So intent
was she now upon fulfilling her promise, that she could
not be persuaded to delay it, though often suffering
from the pain in her side of which she makes such fre-
quent mention in her letters. She was anticipating a
visit of a few days to Brookline in the month of May —
and seemed to feel as if every thing she had to do,
must be accomplished previous to her visit there. " I
must go up to the Hospital, and visit my poor sailors
before I go to Brookline," was her exclamation almost
daily during the week preceding her intended dejiart-
ure, and she did not rest until she had accomplished it.
So it was with many other plans and duties — and when
urged to defer some of them until her return, as she
had exerted herself too much and needed rest, she
would reply, " No, I must do present duty in present
time. Who can tell what will be on the morrow ? ''

336 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIxi B. BACON.

To tlic writer she said, " I do not like to go away and
leave any tiling undone. Life with me is very uncer-
tain. I may not live to come back.'^ Anticipating
that she might possibly not return before the Sabbath,
and knowino' that a collection iii behalf of one of our

o

benevolent societies would be then taken up, she en-
closed her own contribution in an envelope, saying, *' I
will have this all ready, and then whatever happens it
will be right."

Mrs. Bacon had been very much interested in assist-
ing the ladies of the Female Benevolent Society, to
which she belonged, in sustaining a pious young man
who was fitting for the ministry. He was at this time
in college ; and Mrs, B. having received from a lady in
Boston some clothing and a small sum of money for his
use, could not leave town until she had made ready a
parcel for him. She finished transcribing her journal
on Saturday, May 7th — enjoyed the rest and privileges
of the Sabbath — and on Monday, the 9th, left her lodg-
ings for the contemplated visit. On her way to the
omnibus office, she stopped a moment at the writer's
door to say good-bye. I expressed my regrets that she
was going on that day, saying to her " we shall miss
you so much at our female prayer-meeting tomorrow.'^
She replied that '' she was very sorry to be absent from
that meeting, but trusted the Loi^d would be with us.
and that would be enough without her.'' Then as she
left my door, she added, '' don't forget to pray for me
— / believe in the efficacy of 'prayer.^'' These were the
last words it was my privilege to hear from her lips.
Had we both known that fact at that moment, what
more could she have said — what else could I have

BIOGHAPIIY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 337

wisliod to hear ! At ]\Irs. F's she also calleil after
Icaviiio' me; and there she wrote a few lines to £ro with
the parcel before mentioned to her young friend, the
student. It was the last page that she, who had for
so many years held the pen of a ready writer, was ever
to trace. Yet she knew it not. Had she known it,
what more appropriate than the following could slit
have written.

" My dear young friend — I hopo that you feel en-
couraged to persevere. It is only mcli who will gain the
crown. And oh, the delightful thought that after being
worn out in our master's service, there is a rest in the
sweet liome above. Let these thoughts comfort, support,
and stimulate you in your present situation and prepare
you for further usefulness. May the Holy Spirit ever
abide with you, is the fervent prayer of your sincere
friend.

'' Lydia B. Bacox.''

The letter from whicli the above extract is taken,
was written Monday, May 9th, and her young friend
in forwarding it to the writer of these pages, adds
this brief sentence — *'It is the last line that Mrs.
Bacon ever wrote me, and when I received it, she had
* changed worlds.' "

Mrs. B. left for Brooklino, on Monday, as before
stated, and arrived at the house of her brother-in-law,
Mr. Joseph Bacon. That dear home had ever been one
of her favorite resorts. Congeniality of feeling and of
religious faith, coupled with the ties of kindred, and
cemented by mutual worth and excellence, had created
29

338 BIOGKAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

a warm and lasting attacliment. The beautiful loca-
tion of their dwelling, and its many embellishments,
rendered it also a most attractive place to one so fond
of the beautiful, both in nature and art, as our lamented
friend. Upon her arrival at Brookline, she was unusu-
ally cheerful — her duties were finished — no cares
pressed upon her, and she felt as if she had nothing to
do but to enjoy the society of her friends and their
pleasant abode. Yet she received these blessings as
the direct gift of her heavenly Father's bounty, saying,
" how good the Lord is now that I have no home of my
own, to give me so much pleasure in the possessions of
others. This garden, these flowers smell just as sweetly
and look just as delightful as if they were mine. It is
true that God has made them grow and bloom for me.''^
Thus she passed three happy days, and on Thursday
was gladdened by the presence of Mrs. P., from Chel-
sea, a daughter of the sister-in-law whom she was visit-
ing. Mrs. F. was a favorite niece both of Mr. and Mrs.
Bacon, and having resided near them both in Sandwich
and in Chelsea, had for years given and received the
most kind and pleasing mutual attentions. Much to
Mrs. Bacon's gratification, the expected arrival of Mrs.
F's brother from California, (which was communicated
by telegraph on Thursday afternoon,) decided Mrs. F. to
remain at her father's over night, instead of returning
to Chelsea as she had expected. Just as the family
were about to retire for the night, Llrs. Bacon com-
plained of illness ; but taking a little warm drink said
she should be better soon, and went to her room. Ere
she was fully undressed, she was seized with vomiting.
Her friends hearing her went to her room. The vomit-

BIOaPvAPIlY OF MR?. LYDIA B. BACO}^. 339

ing coasotl, and slie felt ivliownl ami Liy d nvii, sayin!^
that slio had fedt stupid and drowsy all the evening and
thouglit she should sleep. Mrs. F., wlio was to occupy
the adjoining chamber, then stepped to lier own room,
leaving the door open between them that she might
know if her aunt needed any further attentions. But
she was almost immediately recalled by the voice of
Mrs. B. saying to her, " Come and hear how I breathe."
She listened and found her breathing rather unnatu-
rally, thougli not sufficiently so to excite alarm. After
a moment's silence, Mrs. Bacon said very deliberately
and calmly, "Augusta, I think I am going to dieJ^
Mrs. F. replied " that she lioped not, slie saw no reason
to think so," and said " she would call her mother, and
they would try to give her something to relieve her.''
Mrs. F's mother came in immediately, and to her ^Irs.

Bacon said, " S , you little thought I had come to

your house to die, but so it is, and it is all riglit ; I am
glad I am here — it is a good place." Her sister said
" she hoped she was mistaken, she could not think she
was going to die ; " and some one now proposed to send
for a physician, telling her to keep up good courage,
and not to be nervous. '' I am not nervous or fright-
ened," was the calm reply. " AVhy should I be afraid
to die ? I have thought of it too long : — I am ready if
it is God's will." Thougli she now labored increasingly
for breath, and seemed much distressed, lier friends still
hoped she might be relieved, and tried to persuade her
to think so. But she replied steadily to them all, " no,
it is the death-strife, the death-strife — T have seen it too
many times to be deceived." To Mrs. F., who was,
most assiduously tending her, and supporting her in

34:0 BIOGRAPHY OF MKS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

her arms, she said, " Augusta, this is what you stayed
here for — how good God is to me in letting me die
here, and with you hy my side. Oh, the goodness of
God, the goodness of God — it is just as I woukl have it
— every thing — -just right/' These hroken utterances
were followed hy whispered ejaculations of praise and
prayer, expressive of her deep thankfulness for the
mercies of God's grace and Providence ; and thus, in a
few hrief moments, she passed away. Ere the physi-
cian so hastily summoned, could arrive — ere Anna, (the
young niece who resided with her, and had accompanied
her on this visit) could he hrought from the house of
another friend where she had gone to pass the night,
Mrs. Bacon had slept the sleep of death. Her heart
had ceased to heat, her pulse was forever stilled. But
her death — how tranquil, how serene. No grim mes-
senger, no king of terrors was the death-angel to her
prepared and waiting soul. Oh, no, the death-shaft was
only her heavenly Father's call to her eternal home.
She was ready to go — there need he no delay — and
scarcely heeding the efforts of loving friends to detain
her, she oheyed the summons. How heautiful, how
hefitting a close to a life like hers. Thanks be to God
that "so he giveth his beloved sleep.'' ^

It was impossible but that a life of active henevo-
lence, of zealous piety like that we have been contem-
plating, should have gained many and warm friends.
The announcement of Mrs. Bacon's death in so sudden
and unexpected a manner to the community in which
she had so long lived and labored, of course created a
universal sensation of surprise and regret. The writer
was tlie hearer of this sad intelligence to the inmates of

BTOnRAniY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX. 3-il

the Hosi)ital, and tlic shock of amazoinont and iriiof
with v\diich lior tidings were received will not soon be
forgotten. But most painfnl was the emotion of those
sisters in Christ, who had so long witnessed lier tears
and prayers for Zion, so often shared in her labors, and
participated with her in the communion of saints. The
pastor and his family, with whose joys and sorrows,
successes and discouragements she had always identified
herself, felt this blow the most keenly. A sad and
silent congregation, we gathered, on Saturday, May
14th, to the church where our deceased friend had so
devotedly worshiped. There, on the Sabbath previous,
we had met her in life and health — now, we o-azed on
her mortal remains beneath the coffin-lid. How im-
pressive was the voice which seemed to come to us from
those closed lips, " Be ye also ready ; for in such an
hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometli.'^ The
funeral services were most appropriately conducted by
her pastor, Rev. Isaac P. Langworthy ; after whicli her
remains were followed to their resting-place beside her
lamented husband in Woodlawn Cemetery. In this
beautiful sanctuary for the dead, (which is one liour's
ride from Boston, via Chelsea), Mr. and ]Mrs. Bacon
had, previously to the death of the former, sidccted
their place of sepulchre. Ai'ter her husband's inter-
ment, Mrs. B. often visited tlie spot, and the delight
which she expressed in it, as well as the cliet'rful satis-
faction with which she spjke of soon occupying her
place by his side, is still fre.-^h in the memory of the
writer. The green sod which covers their ])r(H-ious dust
will be often moistened by the tears of kindred and
affection ; and angels shall watch over that dust,
29*

342 EIOGRAPIIY OF MR?. LYDIA B. BACON.

» Till God shall bid it rise."

It is not pi-oposcd to add to this brief account of Mrs.
Bacon's closing hours any remarks by M'ay of eulooy.
" Her works praise her in tlie gates,'' — her memorial is
in the h(>arts of all who knew her.

A few lin(>s written hastily upon the day of her fu-
neral, by one who loved avd lamented her, will be here
inserted. They are given to the public at the request
of friends, and not on account of any poetic merit.

" What mean those deep sighs wafted forth on the air,
As we enter in silence yon temple of prayer ?
We hear not the notes of rejoicing and praise, —
All mute is the song and hushed are the lays,
And sadly we gather to weep and to pray,
For ' a mother in Israel ' has fallen to-day.

AVith what Christian devotion among us she moved !
By word and example her faith well approved ;
With what wisdom and love the Master slie served,
Nor e'er from the path of fidelity swerved:
Our Zion, bereaved, must lamentingl} say.
That * a mother in Israel ' has fallen to-day.

How kindly she succored the sick and distressed —
The needy she aided, the stranger she blessed —
To the couch of the poor dying sailor she came.
And taught him to trust in Immanuel's name :
So * the sons of the Ocem ' may feelingly say,
That * a mother in Israel ' has fallen to-day.

In the circle of prayer where weekly she bore
The cross of her Saviour, Ave meet her no more :

BIOCJEArnY OF MV.S. LYDIA B. BACOX. 343

No more shall her fervent petitions arise,
And bear our united requests to the skies ;
Ah ! sisters in Christ, ice must join the sad lay —
For ' a mother in Israel ' has fallen to-day.

Yes — her course she has finished — her labor is done —
And the race of the Christian triumjjhantly run.

* The voice of the Bridegroom ' is heard in the night —
But it fills not her soul with surprise or affiight.

* ^Tis the death-strife ' she says, as she struggles for breath,
And calmly she yields to the summons of death.

Yes — her spirit has fled fiom its temple of clay,
And ' a mother in Israel ' has fallen to-day."

With tlie feeling responses of friends at a distance
to the tidings cf Mrs. Bacon's decease, this un])reten<ling
volume will be closed ; the writer rejoicing in having
accomplished (thougli tardily) her labor of love ; and
regretful only that the task had not devolved on one
more competent.

The first extracts are from the letters of her beloved
friends at Sackett's Harbjr, addressed to her niece.

" Our minds were in a measure prepared for the
mournful tidings which your letter contained. A friend
of ours just returned from a journey, report( d that she
read the death of our dear Mrs. Bacon in a paper, al-
though she could not remember where it took place.
We were very anxious to know the truth, but felt un-
willing to write, and tiied to hope it was a mistake.
Your communication has removed all doubt, and con-
firmed our fears. We sine* rely sympatliize with you
in this great affliction, tltough we doubt not it was for
her a happy release. We little thought that she would

344 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACOX.

SO soon follow lier doar husband ; but we can say of
them, ' they were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and
in their death they were not divided.' I feel that I
have lost a dear and tried friend ; and my heart asks,
who will fill her place in the church of Christ? ''

Says another, " I must add a word to express the
sorrow that I feel at the melancholy tidings contained
in your letter. Sad to us, and to you, and to all those
left behind; but not, I trust, a sad reality to her who
has now entered upon her final rest. She is now, I
doubt not, joyously uniting her praises with the spirit
of ber lost one gone before. How short a time she
survived him ! Dear, excellent couple ; surely we
have cause to rejoice with them.

" Ever since my early childhood, the names of these
friends have been household words with us, and they
seemed like part of our own family. Now they add
new attractions to that unseen world whither we are all
hastening."

The next extract is from the letter of her friend at
Geneva, with whom she had so long cojrespondcd and
^vhom she had so often addressed as her dear and loved
Elizabeth.

'' Your letter, bringing the first intelligence to us of
the departure of our long and ardently loved, but now
sainted friend, caused weeping and mourning in all our
lijusehold. For who loved her as we did ? B.'fore you
knew her, we loved her as a mother. Yes — my very
eailiest re'uiembrances are of her and her winnino;, lov-

BIOGRArilY OF MR?:. LYDTA B. BACOX. 345

ing ways. She was a model "botli as a woman and a
Christian ; and I prayed that her life might be spared,
so that I might have the privilege of her example in
my family for my dear children's sake as well as my
own. Oh, shall I not see her again ? Must it be that
we shall no longer have her prevailing prayers for us.
" It was very kind in you to give us the particulars
of her sudden exit. How few are so well prepared for
the coming of the Son of Man ! * Always ready,' was
her motto. AVhat a rich legacy has she left us in her
example ! And her prayers treasured up for years will
not, cannot be lost. If saints can look upon those they
have left behind, can revisit the scenes they loved on
earth, can minister to those who were near their hearts
during their pilgrimage, may not we here be allowed
the pleasing hope that she will be a messenger of mercy
to us sometimes? Dear loved one ! we would not call
you back ; we would rather try to bear our loss, resting
assured that it is great gain to you. And if when on
earth you so delighted to recount the mercies of the
Lord and his wonderful dealings with you and yours,
oh, with how much clearer vision will you now talk with
the loved companion whom you liave rejoined, of the way
in which you were led to your heavenly home !

" I do wish Mrs. could be persuaded to write a

brief memoir of the eventful and useful life of our
departed friend. I know of no work of the kind extant
that would surpass it in interest and usefulness. All
who were acquainted with Mrs. B. would add their
testimony to mine, for

' Xonc knew her but to love her.' "

346 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON.

The following letter from the accomplished lady of
one of our most useful foreign missionaries will be read
with deep interest. Mrs. Bacon's interest in her when a
child, her influence over her, and their consequent
attachment, have heen referred to already in these
pages. But we will let her tell her own story, and her's
shall be the closing testimony to the worth of one whose
life and death we present as an example to those who
would remember the teachings of an apostle, '* Be not
slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises."

''Honolulu, OaJm Valley, Bee, 20th, 1853.

" I was not surprised to hear of dear Aunt Bacon's
death, though I deplore it most deeply. I feel that I
have indeed lost a friend — the friend of my childhood
and orphanage, as well as of womanhood and prosperity.
Her love was the same steady sunbeam to me in all the
varied phases of light and shadow in my somewhat
eventful life. Blessed bo God ! It is indeed true as
you say, ' in this cold and heartless world how refreshing
to know that love and friendship have not quite died
out, from the abundant testimony of our own hearts.'

" My first acquaintance with Mrs. B. commenced at
Saclvott's Harbor, in the summer of 181G or '17, when
Mr. B. was Commissary in the army. They boarded

with Mrs. G , a friend of mine, with whom I at that

time resided in my eleventh or twelfth year. Mrs. B.
noticed and petted me a great deal, and I used to snatch
every moment of leisure to sit in her room reading to
her or listenins: to her words of interest and instruction.

BIOOrvAPIIY OF MF.S. LYDIA B. BACON. 347

Her many tokens of kindness I sliall never for^'et. I
never received a gift that afforded me more pleasure
tlian lier first to me ; it was a fan just like the one she
herself used. I have since then possessed more splendid
and gorgeous ones of French tinsel and down, gay man-
darins and birds of Paradise 'Celestial made'; but
none were ever so valued by me as that first pretty fan
of buff and ivory.

*' The first hackney-coach ever driven through those
long forest roads of mud and log-causeway, was one
from New York city to Sag Harbor, belonging to Mr.
Bacon's brother. Mr. and Mrs. B., having just recovered
from a fever, used to ride daily. My first long ride in
that coach I well remember. I was very happy, and
Mrs. B. seeing my enjoyment of the ride said to me,

* L , you will be a lady and ride in your own

carriage some day.' Her words made a deep impression.
I resolved I would he a lady like her, though I should
be poor and have no carriage. The winter following
Mrs. B. went to housekeeping and I attended school,
whither she used to send me many a beautiful pie and
cake ornamented by her own hand.

*' Mrs. B. organized two benevolent societies that year,
aided by ladies of the officers in the army and navy.
She was very active and very successful. I recollect
lier first Report, which was printed in the newspaper — a
very unusual occurrence in those days. Society at
Sackett's Harbor was very gay at that time, amounting
really to dissipation. Mrs. B. used to attend their
social gatherings, but protested earnestly against their
excesses in dress, amusements, <Is:c. I have seen her
weep in her expostulation with those she loved.

348 BIOGRAPHY OF MRS. LYDIA B. BACON. .

" I left Sackett's Harbor in 1819 to give and receive
instruction, and we did not meet again until seven years
had passed. Great changes had taken place with us
both. She was overtaken with adversity, but was the
same accomplished and graceful woman while perform-
ing those labors for herself which she had been accus-
tomed to have rendered by others, as when she kept her
servants and rode in her own carriage. I had found a
Saviour since we parted, had publicly professed my faith
in him, and completed my education ; and she was
gratified to find her pet and protege so near fj^lfilling
her prophetic aspirations.

" Her interest in the missionary enterprise was not
diminished when she next addressed me at the Sandwich

Islands. You, my dear Mrs. , who have been

equally favored with her friendship and correspondence,
can understand what a rich treasure I have possessed in
the counsels and guardianship of such a ' mentor.^

" What moral dignity gathers around the life of such
a woman ! Ever busy was she in scattering sunshine
and blessing in the dwellings of the poor, consoling the
widow, drying the orphan's tear, and strewing flowers of
faith, hope and charity in the footsteps of every fellow-
being whom her influence could reach.''

THE END.

8 1935